Integrity in research and governance

Ethics and conduct in research

The supervision of research ethics and conduct is a critical guarantee of the credibility of the NHRF’s research activities, promotes excellence, and is essential for strengthening public trust and acceptance of the research conducted at the Foundation.

In this context, the Research Ethics and Conduct Committee (RECC) has been established and operates at the NHRF.

The Research Ethics and Conduct Committee (RECC) of the NHRF was established and has been operating since October 2020, in accordance with Law 4521/2018, Articles 21-27. The Committee’s mission is to ensure the ethical integrity of research projects and programs carried out at the NHRF. The Committee assesses whether the research initiatives developed at the NHRF are carried out with respect for the value of human beings and their constitutionally guaranteed rights, the autonomy of the persons involved, the protection of their privacy and personal data, and care for the natural and cultural environment. The Committee also ensures that research projects/programs comply with the generally accepted principles of research integrity and the criteria of good scientific practice. The Committee’s responsibilities also include informing and raising awareness among NHRF staff on issues of research ethics and conduct.

The Committee has developed the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Scientific Research of the National Research Foundation, together with the Regulations for the Application of Principles and Operation of the RECC, which were approved by the NHRF Board of Directors, thus establishing the fundamental basis for the protection of research ethics within the NHRF.

More information about the RECC/NHRF, including the relevant institutional framework and procedural guidelines, is available at:

Research Ethics and Conduct Committee (RECC)

Equal opportunities and inclusion

The NHRF actively supports equality and equal opportunities, and the principle of inclusion is reflected in all its collaborators, candidate researchers, suppliers, partners, and visitors. The aim is to provide equal opportunities for all, with an emphasis on under-represented or minority groups that may be distinguished by their beliefs, special skills, age, gender, or sexual orientation.

In this context, the Research Ethics and Conduct Committee (RECC) has been established and is operating at the EIE, while the Gender Equality Plan has also been established and is continuously updated.

Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committee

The GEADC/NHRF was updated by decision of the Board of Directors/NHRF (2025/13/26.05.2025) and operates as an advisory body to the institution and its administrative bodies. The purpose of the GEADC is to promote gender equality and combat discrimination at all levels of the NHRF’s structures and activities, with the ultimate goal of creating a culture of equality and inclusion.

Committee for Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination (CGEAD)

Researcher’s Ombudsman

In March 2024, the Researcher’s Ombudsman was established at the NHRF. The aim of this initiative was to establish a process through which research staff facing issues related to meritocracy, unfair competition, lack of transparency, intimidation, profiteering, or similar challenges can confidentially and safely address the Researcher’s Ombudsman to resolve issues such as the above. The selection of the Research Ombudsman was conducted through an open call for applications within the NHRF, allowing all interested staff members to apply for the position. Dr. V. Zoubourlis, Director of Research at the Institute of Chemical Biology, has been selected as the first Researcher’s Ombudsman.

Conflict of Interest Policy

The NHRF is committed to conducting all of its research and administrative activities in a manner that ensures that the judgment and decision-making of its management and staff are not influenced by personal interests. When personal interests influence or are perceived to influence decision-making at the NHRF in an improper manner, a conflict of interest arises, for the management of which the NHRF has adopted the “Non-Conflict of Interest Policy.” The content of the Non-Conflict of Interest Policy is available to staff on the Foundation’s Intranet.