Code of Ethics  [Revised 2-26-17]

Download a copy of the SETAC Code of Ethics.

Members of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. To ensure a strong and successful organization, our activities require honesty and equity and should reflect well on the Society. In the spirit of promoting Environmental Quality Through Science®, members should strive to be good stewards of environmental resources and effective and objective contributors to the environmental discussion globally as well as locally.

Professional behavior and integrity are also expected of every attendee (members and non-members alike) of SETAC meetings, workshops and activities, and all authors of material in SETAC journals, books or other publications.

Each member and all persons participating in SETAC meetings and activities, and all authors of material in SETAC journals, books or other publications, are bound by this Code of Ethics and should:

• Conduct themselves and their work responsibly and with integrity, in an objective, lawful and non-discriminatory manner
• Observe the spirit of the tripartite structure of SETAC, including professionals from academia, government and industry, by respecting the rights, interests and contributions of professional colleagues
• Refrain from practicing or condoning harassment of any kind
• Objectively and clearly communicate scientific methods, understanding and knowledge in an honest, professional and unbiased manner
• Ensure that presentations during society-sponsored events and other communications are restricted to and based on sound scientific principles and made in a respectful manner
• Respect intellectual property and provide appropriate attribution for all intellectual property arising elsewhere
• Disclose potential conflicts of interest
• Not knowingly make false or misleading statements, or engage in activities that could be viewed as defamatory about a professional colleague or an organization
• Recognize and respect confidentiality while being honest and forthcoming in all issues of public record
• Refrain from representing themselves as spokespersons for SETAC without the express authorization by the president of SETAC
• Conduct research and related activities so as to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects of that research and ensure compliance with legal requirements for protection of researchers, human subjects, and research organisms and systems

Individuals who become aware of breaches of this SETAC Code of Ethics and its practices are encouraged to communicate potential violations to the SETAC global executive director, the president of SETAC or an appropriate SETAC World Council delegate, who will evaluate the misconduct and determine appropriate actions.

SETAC Animals in Research Guidance Statement

• Respect for all life forms and systems is an inherent characteristic of environmental professionals; the respectful treatment of organisms is both an ethical and a scientific necessity
• Methods designed to reduce, refine or replace the need for experimental organisms are advocated
• In the absence of data, research with experimental organisms is the most reliable means of identifying toxic properties of chemicals and other environmental stressors and for establishing risks to environmental health
• Care must be exercised to avoid introduction of exotic/non-indigenous organisms to natural environments