Scientific integrity

Scientific Integrity is a fundamental value for the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) and guides all its activities and decisions. Ensuring integrity in scientific research is essential for the reliability and quality of research results, while contributing to the trust that the Foundation enjoys from the research community, funding agencies, and society.

The following are the basic principles and practices that govern the scientific integrity of the NHRF:

Transparency and Openness/Generosity

Transparency is central to maintaining scientific integrity. The NHRF ensures that all research projects, procedures, and decisions are open and understandable, both to the internal community and to the general public. This includes the open publication of research results, transparency in funding and evaluation procedures, and the disclosure of methods and data used in research.

Ethics and Responsibility in Research

The NHRF prioritizes ensuring that all research activities comply with ethical principles and international standards. The conduct of research must ensure the protection of human subjects, the environment, and animals. Respect for the personality of researchers and research participants, the avoidance of any form of discrimination, and the assurance of privacy and anonymity are central principles of the NHRF’s scientific integrity.

Reliability and Accurate Reporting of Data

The accuracy and reliability of data are fundamental characteristics of scientific integrity. The NHRF requires its researchers to present data rigorously, without distortion or falsification. Correct and accurate citation of sources and acknowledgment of the contributions of collaborators are essential for enhancing scientific credibility.

Independence and Objectivity

Independence and objectivity are fundamental elements of scientific research at the NHRF. Researchers are encouraged to conduct their work without external pressure, maintaining their independence from political, commercial, or other pressures that could influence the results of their research. The NHRF ensures that its researchers can express their opinions and report their findings without fear of reprisals or pressure.

Protection from Conflicts of Interest

The NHRF recognizes that conflicts of interest can affect the objectivity of research results. For this reason, it requires researchers to declare any personal or professional relationships that could create a conflict of interest. These conflicts are managed with transparency and rigor in order to ensure the integrity and objectivity of research activities.

Prevention of Plagiarism and Copying

Preventing plagiarism and copying is one of the NHRF’s key priorities for promoting scientific integrity. The NHRF seeks to ensure that all research projects comply with the rules on originality and authenticity of data and findings. It supports the use of tools and procedures to detect plagiarism and provides training to its researchers on ethical practices in research.

Research Evaluation and Verification

The process of evaluating and verifying research results is critical to maintaining scientific integrity. The EIE promotes the systematic and independent evaluation of research quality through peer review processes and other external evaluation tools. This ensures the validity of results and the value of research efforts.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Collaboration between researchers and institutions is critical to the advancement of scientific knowledge. The NHRF encourages collaboration and shared work, but always with respect for scientific integrity and acceptance of the rules of accurate citation and recognition of the contributions of collaborators.