Research Culture of ETH Zurich

The main focuses of ETH Zurich are research and teaching. These two tasks are extremely interesting and challenging and cannot be separated. Researchers develop theses and try to prove them. The results are evaluated to the best of their knowledge, using the most sophisticated means and methods; they are discussed critically within the research community, presented at conferences and in lectures, and published in scientific journals. Finally, these results become generally accepted knowledge. Researchers bear a great responsibility for the research process and for the results it produces. This responsibility requires a careful handling of research results. This means for example being aware of the fact that moral concepts and conflicts of interest can influence the research process and, thus, its results. Furthermore, it requires that recognition and awards won through research results be shared with all people involved.
The Executive Board attaches particular importance to matters of this kind. A group has therefore formulated the research culture of ETH Zurich. Theses regarding the research culture of ETH Zurich (pdf, 59KB).
The Executive Board has issued the rules of procedure in case of suspicion of misconduct in science at ETH Zurich (RSETHZ 415) which became effective as of May 1, 2004. These rules define the process that is applicable in case of suspicion of misconduct.

Additional Documents

• "On Being A Scientist, Responsible conduct in research" (NAS, NAE, IOM, National Academy Press, Washington D.C., 1995, ISBN 0-309-05196-7)
  online: www.nap.edu/catalog/4917.html
• Webpage of the Legal Department of ETH Zurich.
• Theses regarding the research culture at ETH Zurich (pdf, 59KB)
• Procedure to address allegations of research misconduct at the ETH Zurich