The Code of Ethics Fundamental Principles

Members of PSM accept that the following fundamental principles advance their profession and uphold its integrity and dignity.

They will use their knowledge and skills for the advancement of human welfare.

They will be honest and impartial in their interactions with the public, their employers, their clients, patients in whose diagnosis and treatment they are involved, their colleagues, their students and their employees.

They will strive to increase the competence and practice of the profession of microbiology by responsible action and by sharing the results of their research through academic, commercial, or public service.

They will endeavor to continue to expand their professional knowledge and skills, and they will support the aims of the societies of their discipline.

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CANONS

To these fundamental principles are subtended to the following canon of ethics.

Microbiologists recognize a duty to the public to propagate a true understanding of the science. They will avoid premature, false, misleading and exaggerated statements and will discourage any use of microbiology contrary to the welfare of humankind. They will work for proper and beneficient application of scientific discoveries and will call to the attention of the public or the appropriate authorities misuses of microbiology or of information derived from microbiology.

Microbiologists are expected to communicate knowledge obtained in their research through their discussion with their peers and through publications in the scientific literature.

In their scientific publications, microbiologists will strive for accuracy. Not only in the reporting and interpretation of their observation, but also in the proper citation of pertinent previous contribution by others.

Microbiologists will endeavor to recognize conflicts of interest and to avoid the abuse of privileged positions. Such privileges include, but are not limited to (i) the review and evaluation of manuscripts and grant applications (ii) evaluation of candidates for employment, (iii) PSM committee, or staff positions, (iv) service in consulting activities, (v) access to specimen materials and information regarding their sources, (vi) students guidance, and (vii) simultaneous service in profit-making and not for-profit organizations.

Microbiologists recognize their responsibilities to make available to other materials that we were the source of published data, so far as this does not infringe upon proprietary rights.

Microbiologists recognize responsibilities to students, technicians, and other associates working under their supervision to consider them colleagues, to provide training when required, and to assign appropriate recognition for their contributions. By direction and example, these colleagues should be taught adherence to the ethical standards wherein described.

Members shall not represent any position as being that of PSM unless the appropriate unit of PSM has approved that position.

Members of PSM recognize PSM's responsibility to consider breaches of this code of ethics and torecommend appropriate responses. These responses are defined by the ethical review process.

Microbiologists accepting membership in PSM by that action agree to abide by this code of ethics.

* Based on the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Code of Ethics.

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