Professional and scientific ethics are an extremely important part of every doctoral student's and every scientist's education and training. The Academy of Finland and the Ministry of Education repeatedly stress that ethics "training" must be a formal part of doctoral education. iBioMEP promotes good ethical practices in science and education.
In cases of scientific fabrication, misrepresentation, plagiarism, and misappropriation in science, we adhere to the policies and recommendations of the National Advisory Board on Research Ethics. Details are contained in the following publications available from: www.tenk.fi

• Good Scientific Practice and Procedures for Handling Misconduct and Fraud in Science
• Guidelines for the Prevention, Handling and Investigation of Misconduct and Fraud in Scientific Research (1998)

Similar procedures are followed in cases of academic fraud, which includes cheating on exams, plagiarism, and misappropriation of another's work.

In accordance with these practices and procedures, all suspected cases of academic and scientific malpractice would be reported to and handled by the rector of the relevant university or universities or by the director of independent institutions. Misappropriation of funds is a criminal offense and should be handled by the police.

It is unethical and irresponsible to make malicious accusations against individuals or institutions that are false or based on speculation. Bullying, threats, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated from anyone.

The individual research groups belonging to iBioMEP will adhere to ethical practices in biotechnology, medicine, and gene technology. We refer all doctoral students and supervisors to the National Advisory Board on Research Ethics for further information. See also, the Ministry of Education web site located at www.minedu.fi.

Ethical practices will be applied in handling of sensitive information (e.g., applications submitted to the graduate school and discussions of such applications by review panels are strictly confidential; no personal data of any individual will be placed on the iBioMEP web site; personal information (contact details) will be distributed only to members of the school; others details to the Academy of Finland and the Ministry of Education only as required by them).

Biological ethics (e.g., use of embryos for stem cell studies; use of primates or other animals for testing purposes) may be a tricky issue that is affected by the changing views of society. Some issues are clear such as the concept that testing on humans is forbidden unless strict procedures are followed and that the test subjects are in favor of the testing. Some issues are less clear and depend on one's own personal views and conscience. Clearly a subject that requires discussion and careful consideration.

In practice, our advice is to be very careful if a problem arises. Consult in confidence someone that you can trust. Get legal advice if necessary. One should not be intimidated from bringing forward legitimate claims of misconduct but keep in mind that everyone is innocent until proven to have committed misconduct. The Board of iBioMEP, however, reserves the right to expel any member of iBioMEP who has been shown to engage in serious ethical misconduct.