Ethics in Science, Technology and Innovation: Proposed regulation

Abstract

Within the scope of the responsibility of promoting policies and legislation in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (CTI) and the materialization of its Action Plan of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), a proposal for a General Code is presented of Ethics in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGECTI). This proposal arises from the need to fill gaps in the legislation on ethics in science and technology and was created with a view to presenting the general principles of ethics in carrying out Scientific Research and Experimental Development, Technology Transfer and Innovation activities; to promote the monitoring of the application of ethical principles internationally established and applicable to the exercise of scientific research, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic, International Conventions, National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation, the Statute of the Career of Scientific Investigators in force and other applicable legislation; and contribute to the scientific affirmation of Angola in the context of nations. Likewise, the aforementioned code proposal should consider principles and elements such as transversality, compatibility, definitions, supervision, honesty, integrity, training and skills and security. The preparation of this code proposal was based on some bibliographic sources produced by UNESCO, OECD, the Republic of Mozambique and Higher Education Institutions. The proposal comprises seven chapters divided by object, scope and purpose; ethical principles; national ethics commission; scientific area ethical council; duties and rights; sanctions; and final provisions. The proposal highlights the creation of a plural national commission, involving sectors of the state, the private sector, academic and scientific institutions, professional associations and civil society, as well as the formation of ethics committees by scientific area. This proposal should be submitted to the actors of the National System of Science, Technology and Innovation for contributions.