Principles of Scientific Conduct

PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC CONDUCT
(approved by Council February 2000, revisions approved by Council April 2010)

The Council of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), recognizing its responsibilities to its members and to society, endorses the following statement of general principles for the conduct of research by its membership and by those who participate in the scientific activities of the College.

The ACNP is a scientific organization dedicated to research that will enhance the treatment of brain and behavioral disorders.  To advance this goal, the College convenes scientific forums in which to examine research data, strategies, and concepts.  Therefore, the ACNP insists that these principles of professional conduct be followed in all communications and activities of its membership.

1. That research will be carried out under the most benevolent conditions consistent with the IRB and IACUC approved protocol and research goals.
2. That original research findings (both negative and positive) be reported or made available in a timely fashion, fully and honestly, both in the professional literature and in presentations at scientific meetings.
3. That appropriate efforts be made to give due credit to the pertinent prior work of others consistent with the standard of the journal to which it is submitted.
4. That methodological details be reported so as to promote reproducibility by others.
5. That all research subjects who participate in research protocols and staff involved in data collection be responsibly supervised, by the Principal Investigator or his or her qualified designee.  Following the completion of the study, the conclusions of the study should be made available to study participants and staff members who request this information.
6. Primary data upon which publication is based should be retained for a minimum of three years after archival publication.
7. That co-authorship on a communication be based upon substantial intellectual contribution.
8. That the review of scientific manuscripts and research proposals be accomplished with fairness, integrity, and in confidence.
9. Consistent with the policy of the journal in which articles are submitted, disclosure of possible conflicts of interest for articles (as opposed to meetings or presentations) should be included in the transmittal letter at the time the article is submitted.  For presentations potential conflicts of interest should be specified by the presenter.

These principles are now the standard by which our scientific exchanges will be measured. The ACNP Council holds that scientists who choose to deviate from these principles will, by that behavior, demonstrate their unsuitability for continued participation in the College and its pursuits and be judged accordingly.