Ethical responsibilities: Researchers and their peers
Dra. Hna. Elena Lugo
The question I wish to address here is how does professional ethics apply to research
scientist? Bearing that question in mind, it might be helpful to distinguish –in no sense
whatsoever separate– the concepts of p rofession , a cademic p rofession and s cientist a s a n
academic .
Profession - A profession is usually characterized as a personal dedication to tasks
requiring specialized knowledge of an intellectual nature within the context of a broad
cultural formation as well as a long academic preparation. A professional is also
recognized for his/her expertise and skill. Ideally a professional dedication entails a
disinterested service to an identifiable common good. A professional also strives to be
autonomous in his/her field of competence, as well as self-regulative regarding the legal,
technical, academic and moral aspects of the profession.