Ethics Policy and Statement

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Ethics Policy for the DRI

At the Dhody Research Institute (DRI), we hold ourselves to ethical standards of honesty, compliance, inclusion, beneficence, autonomy, informed consent, and research veracity in all aspects of our work. Our commitment to ethical conduct is central to our mission of advancing scientific research and education for the betterment of society. We strive to ensure integrity, transparency, and responsibility in every endeavor we undertake to the dignity and rights of all involved.

Research Integrity:

We adhere to ethical guidelines, standards, and best practices that govern scholarly research in all our activities, including those involving historical medical collections. We do not tolerate falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism.
Our research practices prioritize the preservation, respect, and ethical treatment of human specimens and historical artifacts in order to preserve dignity and transparency for all participants. Please see our Human Specimen Ethics Statement Below for a better understanding.
DRI researchers are committed to honesty, accuracy, and rigor in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data and findings.
For human remains, we follow the guidelines established by the National Committee for Research Ethics on Human Remains.
For questions related to the ethics of museum practice and display, we follow the guidelines defined by the American Alliance of Museums.

Collaboration and Partnership:

We value collaborative partnerships with historic, scientific, and medical institutions based on mutual respect, integrity, and shared ethical principles.
Our collaborations prioritize equity, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity, respecting the rights and perspectives of all stakeholders involved.
DRI engages in transparent communication and collaboration to ensure that research outcomes benefit both the scientific community and the broader public.

Science Communication and Education:

DRI is committed to accessible and inclusive science communication through social media.
We engage with diverse audiences in dialogue about scientific research, museology, and ethical considerations in science and medicine.
Our science communication efforts promote STEM engagement, inspire curiosity, and foster informed decision-making.
We promote critical thinking, ethical awareness, and responsible engagement with scientific and historical knowledge.

Consultation:

DRI provides consultation services to institutions and researchers seeking to create museums or exhibitions with a medical historical dimension.
We prioritize ethical considerations in the curation, interpretation, and presentation of medical historical collections, ensuring accuracy, sensitivity, and respect for diverse perspectives.

Ethical Oversight and Accountability:

DRI maintains ethical oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations.
We foster a culture of ethical reflection, continuous improvement, and accountability among our staff, collaborators, and partners.
Any concerns regarding ethical conduct are addressed promptly and transparently, with a commitment to fair and equitable resolution.

At the DRI, we recognize that ethical considerations are paramount in all our endeavors. We are dedicated to upholding scientific, scholarly, and medical ethical standards to advance knowledge, promote public understanding, and contribute positively to the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Ethics Statement

At the Dhody Research Institute (DRI), we observe ethical standards in all our endeavors. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and responsibility guides our work in scientific and museological research and education. Our research principles align with organizations who work in our four key domains: research on human remains, museum collection and display, science communication, and bioethics. Accordingly, we follow the principles of organizations aligned with our mission, including the following:

National Committee for Research Ethics on Human Remains
American Association for Physical Anthropologists
American Alliance of Museums
Institute for Science and Policy

We also follow the core principles of bioethics research, including:

Do no harm/nonmaleficence.
Be transparent about research methods and processes.
Make research widely accessible and available.
Obtain informed consent and necessary permissions for living subject research.
Weigh competing ethical obligations due collaborators and affected parties.
Treat historical artifacts with respect and dignity.
Maintain cultural and historical sensitivity by collaborating with community partners.
Maintain inclusivity in research practices.
Maintain confidentiality.
Maintain honesty.
Protect and preserve all records.
Maintain respectful and ethical professional relationships.
Observe zero tolerance for research misconduct.