In order to demonstrate their commitment to upholding a set of principles and values, specialist or professional groups often make use of a pledge or an oath. The primary example of this is the Hippocratic Oath[LINK to Wikipedia], a form of which is still taken by many medical professionalstoday.

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) requires a professional approach […?] and it builds on a set of values. Research in the Framework for RRIin ICT (FRRIICT) came to the conclusion that such a pledge could be a useful mechanism to develop a community identity and express shared values of the community.

 

Pugwash Pledge

In one of the central documents that contributed to the definition of RRI, Sutcliffe (2011)discusses two examples of such a pledge or new Hippocratic Oath for scientists. One is the so-called Pugwash Pledge proposed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Sir Joseph Rotblat.

This pledge reads as follows.

“I promise to work for a better world, where science and technology are used in socially responsible ways. I will not use my education for any purpose intended to harm human beings or the environment. Throughout my career, I will consider the ethical implications of my work before I take action. While the demands placed upon me may be great, I sign this declaration because I recognize that individual responsibility is the first step on the path to peace.”

Sir David King’s Pledge

A second example provided by Sutcliffe was suggested in 2007 by UK Chief Scientist Sir David King. He proposed that scientists seek to:

• Act with skill and care in all scientific work. Maintain up to date skills and assist their development in others.
• Take steps to prevent corrupt practices and professional misconduct.
• Declare conflicts of interest.
• Be alert to the ways in which research derives from and affects the work of other people, and respect the rights and reputations of others.
• Ensure that your work is lawful and justified.
• Minimise and justify any adverse effect your work may have on people, animals and the natural environment.
• Seek to discuss the issues that science raises for society. Listen to the aspirations and concerns of others.
• Do not knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled, about scientific matters. Present and review scientific evidence, theory or interpretation honestly and accurately.

Discussion

The RRI community may want to adopt or develop such an aspirational pledge. Would this be helpful or useful to you? Would you sign or speak such a pledge? Would you want it to be developed?