Research ethics
“Ethical reflection is not new, but the transformative power that science and technology make possible requires us to engage in new ethical reflection, taking into account the values and the ways of thinking that guide us”
“Science is not neutral. It can have both positive and negative consequences. Scientists increasingly have to face the ethical dilemma of the consequences of their research. And, thus, their responsibility in science governance“
René von Schomberg, Directorate General for Research, European Commission
The Ethics Committee of the University of Milan has the main task of evaluating and expressing opinions on University research projects that have ethical implications.
In carrying out its activity, the Ethics Committee refers to national, European and international legal, deontological and ethical rules, with a view to ethical pluralism. It is inspired by the principles set out in the documents on good clinical practice and experimentation with human beings, with a focus on the current version of the Helsinki Declaration.
The Ethics Committee also encourages initiatives to raise awareness of ethical issues within the University and among the public at large. The Ethics Committee has drawn up the Code of Ethics, which was issued by the Rector's Decree dated 19 July 2011.
The Code of Ethics sets out the fundamental values of the university community, promotes the recognition and respect of individual rights, as well as the assumption of duties and responsibilities towards the Institution, and dictates the rules of conduct within the community.