European Physical Society

The Committee on Professional Qualifications

CODE OF CONDUCT

All persons listed in the Register of European Physicists are to be conscious of
the importance of science and technology for mankind and of their own social
responsibilities when engaged in their professional exctivities.
They shall exercise their profession respecting the professional rights and the
dignity of all those with whom they work. They shall undertake to comply
with and maintain the following code of ethics.

Professional Ethics

European Physicists shall maintain their competence at the highest level, with a view to providing
excellence of services in accordance with what is regarded as good practice in their profession and having
regard to the laws of the country in which they are working. Their professional integrity and intellectual
honesty shall be the guarantees of impartiality of analysis and judgment. They shall consider themselves
bound in conscience by any business agreement into which they have freely entered. They shall display
their commitment to their profession by taking part in the activities of the European Physical Society
and of its member societies, notably those which promote the profession and contribute to the continuing
training of their members.

European Physicists are responsible for organizing and executing their tasks and take all necessary
steps to overcome any difficulties encountered, whilst ensuring the safety of persons and property at
their workplace. When publishing or presenting the results of research they shall give due credit to their
collaborators. In striving for a high level of technical achievement they will contribute to and promote a
healthy and agreeable environment.

Social Responsibility

European Physicists shall:

respect the personal rights of superiors, colleagues, subordinates and students by taking due account
of their requirements and aspirations, provided they conform to the laws and ethics of their profesion;
be conscious of the consequences of their work for the safety and health of others, and work to the
benefit of mankind;
be positive towards efforts to provide the general public with clear information to enable a proper
understanding of scientific matters of public interest;
treat with respect the traditional and cultural values of the countries in which they exercise their
profession.

Committee on Professional Qualifications
European Physical Society
Mulhouse, January 1998

E.W.A. Lingeman, ed@nikhef.nl January 1999