Code of Conduct

Research in WHO is a fundamental instrument for the advancement and attainment of health, and the Organization is committed to the highest standards of scientific quality and ethical integrity.

The Code of Conduct for responsible Research provides standards of good practice to guide individuals working on all research associated with WHO, including non-clinical research, in line with the principles of integrity, accountability, independence/impartiality, respect and professional commitment described in WHO’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Applicable to all staff members involved in research, as well as to WHO collaborators in spirit and principles, the Code of Conduct for responsible Research (the Code) articulates WHO’s responsibility to adhere to its research standards, and to:

Ensure that partner institutions have Codes of Conduct in place that uphold principles in line with the Code;

• Seek advice and assistance as appropriate from normal management channels, the Office of Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics (CRE), the Ethics Review Committee (ERC), and or the Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG) as applicable;
• Report any suspicions of non adherence to the Code to supervisors for action, or to the Integrity hotline as applicable; and
• Take action to address suspicions of wrongdoing including with collaborators and partner institutions, such as terminating contractual engagements, or withdrawing from publication projects.

Code of Conduct for responsible Research
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