The Articles of Incorporation of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) state that the objective of the Society shall be to promote the development and application of computational methods to problems of biological significance. The mission of the Society is to advance understanding of living systems through computation and to communicate those scientific advances worldwide. These goals demand honesty and truthfulness in all activities sponsored or supported by the Society.
Science is best advanced when there is mutual trust, based upon honest behavior, throughout the community. Our scientific Society thus expects all our members to adhere to the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all their actions, whether inside or outside ISCB. Honesty must be regarded as the cornerstone of ethics in science. Professional integrity in the formulation, conduct, interaction, and reporting of bioinformatics and computational biology activities reflects not only on the reputation of individuals and their organizations, but also on the image and credibility of the profession as perceived by scientific colleagues, government and the public. It is important that the tradition of ethical and professional behavior be carefully maintained and transmitted with enthusiasm to future generations.
Each researcher, practitioner, technician, student, and supplier within the field is a citizen of the community of science. Each shares responsibility for the welfare of this community. The guiding principles set forth in this ISCB Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct are meant to protect the community of science. The guiding principles are not meant to address a complete list of all ethical issues but rather serve as a guide, updated by events and experience. Society members have an individual and a collective responsibility to ensure that there is no compromise with these guidelines.
Guiding Principles
ISCB members:
- Aim to uphold and advance the integrity and dignity of the profession and practice of bioinformatics and computational biology
- Aspire to use their knowledge and skills for the advancement of life sciences and human welfare
- Strive to increase the competence and prestige of the profession and practice of bioinformatics and computational biology by responsible action and by sharing the results of their research through academic and commercial endeavors, or by public service
- Seek to maintain and expand their professional knowledge and skills. Respect professional Codes of Ethics and abide by the prevailing ethical and legal norms of their profession
- Endeavor for objectivity in their professional activities through recognition, acknowledgment, and mitigation of intentional and unintentional biases
- Adhere to the highest standards of publication ethics in line with those documented by the Committee on Publication Ethics. This includes but is not limited to: timely and accurate reporting of findings; full disclosure of author contributions, sources of financial support, and any potential conflicts of interest; fair and objective peer-review
- Act responsibly, honestly, and respectfully toward colleagues, government, corporate sponsors, the wider health care community and the public at large. Build public trust through accountability
- Foster fair participation of all people, including those of underrepresented groups in all of the Society’s activities and at all levels of its organization. Prejudicial discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, family status, gender identity, labor union membership, military status, nationality, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other inappropriate factor is an explicit violation of the Code. Harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and other abuses of power and authority, is a form of discrimination that, amongst other harms, limits fair access to the virtual and physical spaces where such harassment takes place.
- Treat colleagues and researchers with respect and courtesy, based on principles of equality and mutual respect for those with differing worldviews, scientific perspectives, or from different cultures. Share research results and ideas honestly; engage in scientific critique and peer review with integrity and respect; give proper credit for others' contributions.
Professional Conduct
ISCB members:
- Maintain professional competence by advancing their knowledge and understanding of new scientific developments and emerging areas of practice
through ongoing education and training - Educate employees, students, and professionals to follow responsible research practices consistent with the highest ethical standards. Treat trainees with
respect and provide them with opportunities for professional growth and development - Share knowledge in research, practice, and ethics through publication, professional meetings and conferences, and foster collaborations. Meet applicable ethical and legal standards while collaborating
- Engage in scientific critique and peer review with integrity and respect, ensuring that evaluations of research are conducted objectively and constructively. Focus criticism on the work itself and never involve personal attacks, defamation, belittlement, or slander of the researcher(s). Foster a culture where scholarly discourse advances science while upholding professionalism and dignity.
- Foster public understanding of the nature and objectives of bioinformatics and computational biology consistent with open and responsible use of findings in science and health care
- Strive for objectivity in their professional activities through recognition, acknowledgment, and mitigation of intentional and unintentional biases
- Respect the confidential nature of all information and research data entrusted to them. Disclose information with proper and specific authority through the consent of the individual or where there is a legal, ethical or professional right or duty to disclose
- Claim expertise only in areas where they have the necessary depth of knowledge, especially when contributing to public discussion or policy debate. Do not make statements that are false, deceptive, or fraudulent concerning research, practice, or other work activities, or those of persons or groups with whom they are affiliated. Present personal opinions as such and not as those of the Society
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Safeguard the quality and credibility of their professional judgment
- Report science accurately, with an appropriate level of detail, without distortion. In critiquing the work of others, focus on the findings specifically and never involve personal attacks.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, conduct and speech. Make ISCB and the community a place (virtually and in-person) that is welcoming and respectful to all participants, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, national origin, ethnicity, or religion. Examples of demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, conduct and speech are any action directed at an individual that:
- interferes substantially with that person’s participation
- causes that person to fear for his/her personal safety
- involves personal attacks, defamation, belittlement, or slander of a researcher
- Demonstrate professionalism and collegiality in ISCB activities and communications, including committees, task forces, forums, social platforms, and events, at all
times avoiding abusive, racist, sexist, harassing, defamation, belittlement, slander, or threatening speech and/or behavior towards any other individual.
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies to all participants of all ISCB related activities, including but not limited to:
- Conferences, affiliated groups, communities of special interest (COSIs), workshops, and events sponsored, co-sponsored, or in cooperation with;
- Exchanges among committees or other bodies associated with ISCB communication sent through ISCB communication channels and associated
social media - Interactions online via social platforms and blogs; and
- Communications of press/media pass holders who are communicating through their own blogs/communication platform while in attendance of ISCB events or activities
Our goal is to foster a culture that creates a safe and open working environment for all who are participating in ISCB activities, conferences, and programs. We value diversity of thought and inclusivity at our conferences. To maintain an inclusive environment, ISCB events do not permit activism, rallies, protesting, or the distribution of materials regarding partisan political, religious or other ideological views that are not directly related to our organization's mission and the event's focus areas during event hours or within event spaces.
While ISCB is not an adjudicating body, ISCB has appointed Ombudspersons who can be consulted, give advice or help seek out appropriate authorities to further handle any form of harassment or assault.
In matters directly related to alleged acts of misconduct as it relates to the ISCB Ethics and Professional Code of Conduct that take place within the purview of ISCB, ISCB is committed to listening to and addressing complaints and to guiding complainants through options confidentially before the complainant decides how to proceed. This includes ISCB consulting on details for potential informal solutions or a formal complaint. The ISCB Ombudspersons can be approached and if necessary outside counsel or consultation may be sought.
Complaint Resolution Process
Purpose of the EPC
The ISCB Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee (EPC) serves primarily as an agency for conciliation, drawing on the experience and judgment of peers to uphold standards of reasonable, respectful professional behavior in computational biology.
- Not a legal body: The EPC has no staff, legal expertise, or budget for judicial processes. Its only authority is the moral force of the community’s collective judgment.
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Emphasis on professional standards: Most concerns involve nuanced situations. The EPC facilitates resolutions that protect the integrity and collegiality of our field.
Key Principles
Confidentiality: All proceedings are confidential to protect all parties.
No retaliation: Retaliation for participation in this process is strictly prohibited.
Encouraged settlements: Parties are encouraged to reach mutually acceptable solutions where feasible.
Complaint Resolution Path
Submission
- Concerns can be raised by any ISCB member or participant in ISCB activities.
- Complaints must include enough detail to assess.
Preliminary Review
- The EPC Chair and Chief Executive Officer determine if the complaint:
- Falls under EPC scope
- Should be dismissed or move forward
Notification & Response
- If the complaint is proceeding, the respondent is notified and invited to respond.
- All parties are reminded to maintain confidentiality.
Informal Resolution (Most cases)
- Facilitated dialogue or mediation seeks an equitable solution.
- If resolved, the EPC simply reports that the matter was handled.
Formal Review (Rare cases)
- For serious or unresolved issues:
- Additional information may be gathered.
- The full EPC deliberates and makes recommendations.
Recommendations
- May include a statement of concern, referral to an institution, notification to the ISCB Board, or, rarely, a public notice.
Appeals
- The respondent may appeal formal outcomes to the ISCB Board.
Contact & Records
- All inquiries go through the EPC Chair(s) and/or ISCB Chief Executive Officer. The EPC maintains confidential records to inform future cases.
- Legal counsel is accessed only through the ISCB Secretary or the ISCB Chief Executive Officer.
The EPC’s goal is to uphold professionalism, ensure fair treatment, and support an environment where science and careers can flourish.
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