The Policy of Iranian Scientific Associations in the Preservation of the Ethics of Science (Global Experiences, National Efforts)

In this paper, we study the programs and functions of Iranian academic communities in relation to the ethics of science. We are trying to figure out what scientific associations do to promote the ethics of science. What problems do they face with their activities? And; finally, as a part of the stakeholders and decision-makers in Iran, what suggestions do they offer to promote the ethics of science? The survey was conducted with open-ended questions on Iranian academic associations. Analysis of the findings shows that Iranian scientific associations acknowledge the problem, and the need to pay attention to the ethics of science. The proposals of Iranian scientific associations to counter and prevent academic misconduct can be categorized into three dimensions: “education”, “professional role models” and pursuing “structural and organizational changes.” But its realization requires the existence of a backup structure, the necessary facilities for preventing violations, punishing the offenders and most importantly, safeguarding the independence of scientific associations.