IMBB-FORTH is committed to promote the highest standards of scientific integrity and transparency in research. To this end we have set up the Office of Scientific Integrity at IMBB, whose operation complements the work of FORTH Ethics Committee.The mission of the FORTH Ethics Committee is to provide ethical assurances and monitor the ethical issues of all research projects carried out at the Centre. FORTH Ethics Committee checks and verifies that the research is conducted in compliance with the rules of the Code of Conduct for Research at FORTH and provides recommendation to the FORTH Governing Council.

The mission of the Office of Scientific Integrity at IMBB is to maintain high level of scientific integrity with clear guidelines to all personnel. Focus is on the fundamental ethical principles of the Code of Conduct for Research at FORTH (Reliability; Honesty; Respect; Accountability) and related good practices in the context of Research Environment, Training, Supervision and Mentoring, Research Procedures, Safeguarding, Collaborative Working, Publication and Dissemination, Reviewing, Evaluating and Editing. It also organizes regular Training events (seminars, webinars) to disseminate good practices of scientific integrity in research.

Another key mandate of the Office of Scientific Integrity is to create and maintain an optimal environment in which everyone feels safe to address potential issues of scientific integrity. Any person may report situations that she/he considers to fulfil partly or entirely the term “violation” of any article of the Code of Conduct for Research at FORTH, by contacting the Office of Scientific Integrity. Each allegation is investigated and treated confidentially. When needed, the Office of Scientific Integrity assigns an Ombudsman to investigate and resolve grievances or concerns raised with respect to violations of research integrity (e.g. harassment, scientific misconduct, unequal treatment, lack of recognition etc). The Ombudsman makes every effort to facilitate conflict resolution and reports the outcome of his actions to the Office of Scientific Integrity.