AGU Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics

To be a credible voice for the power of Earth and space science to inform policy, transform our understanding of the world, and inspire the next generation of scientists, we must build trust between the scientific community, the public and policy makers. We do that holding ourselves to the highest standards of scientific integrity and ethical conduct as individuals and as a professional society. –Michael McPhaden

The value and benefits of research are dependent on the integrity of the research and researcher. Members will place quality and objectivity of scientific and scholarly activities and reporting results ahead of personal gain or allegiance to individuals or organizations.

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Allegations regarding scientific misconduct by AGU members or authors in connection with AGU activities (publications, presentation, and other official duties) must be submitted in writing either directly to the chair of the Ethics Committee or to ethics@agu.org.

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Click here for questions about the following topics:

• Ethical Obligations of Editors
• Plagiarism
• Authorship Guidelines
• Conflicts of Interest
• Dual Publication

The Committee of Publication Ethics (COPE) maintains a searchable database of more than 400 case studies, including these two related to authorship:

New Claim to Authorship of Published Paper

Paper submitted for publication without consent or knowledge of co-authors

• U.S. Federal Policy on Research Misconduct
• Department of Interior
• National Academies Press: On Being a Scientist
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Office of Research Integrity
• Office of Science and Technology Policy