Approved at the 10th University Forum on 31 October 2019 and ratified by the University Council on 5 December 2019.
This Code of Ethics was approved at the University Forum 31 October 2019 and ratified by the University Council on 5 December 2019. It encapsulates the main ethical values and responsibilities integral to work and studies at the University of Iceland, for the purpose of encouraging and helping staff and students to meet high standards of conduct.
In accordance with Article 1 of the Act on the University of Iceland, the University shall be a scientific research and educational institution that educates its students to complete independent scientific projects and carry out various jobs in Icelandic society. A wide range of regulations shape this role, stipulating legal responsibility for the University's operations and formal disciplinary sanctions if rules are broken. However, these regulations do not go into detail about all the standards that must be upheld in the University community. The official Code of Ethics has parallels in various laws and regulations and ideally should be as consistent with these as possible. The most important role of the official Code of Ethics is to provide more detailed standards for conduct and professional responsibility than the laws and regulations are intended to, since it continues to apply where legal regulations do not. The Code of Ethics is intended to support and expand on other rules governing working procedures and communication at the University of Iceland. Such rules may apply to specific groups (e.g. teaching staff, students, professional associations and student organisations) or within individual schools and units.
This Code of Ethics lays out standards for the conduct of all members of the University community, on and off campus, whether they are academics, other staff members or students at UI. Individual managers work to promote the Code of Ethics and are also responsible for addressing differences of opinion and, as applicable, resolving any disputes that may arise within their unit. In such cases reference should be made to the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is presented with reference to the core values of the University of Iceland, which are professionalism, equality and academic freedom, as well as perspectives on teamwork, integrity and sustainability. The goal is to create a work environment based on these values and to support the University community in its efforts to fulfil its primary role of gathering, sharing and preserving knowledge.
The following guidelines are intended to show how to use the University of Iceland Code of Ethics in day-to-day work, studies and communication.
The University of Iceland Ethics Committee can also provide advice on the Code of Ethics. The email address for the Ethics Committee is sidanefnd@hi.is.
This Code of Ethics belongs to all of us. We will respect it and work to advance these standards on the basis of the values of the University of Iceland.
Professionalism and ambition characterise the work of staff and students and are the basis for the position of trust the University has in society.
We acquire and share knowledge with an objective and fair attitude and emphasise professional working practices, critical thinking and objective reasoning.
We ensure that the information we provide is as accurate and precise as possible. We do not make assertions that exceed the scope of our expertise, rather admitting when our knowledge is limited, acquiring more information or referring inquiries to a qualified party.
We familiarise ourselves with and respect the rules of the University regarding the rights, responsibilities and working procedures that are an important part of this Code of Ethics.
Further information on rights, responsibilities and working procedures:
Equality is a guiding principle in the University's work and the basis of diversity and respect in the University community.
We treat others with courtesy, fairness and respect and make sure in our work, studies and collaboration with others that we do not discriminate against people, e.g. on the basis of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, religion or views. We do not provide special treatment on the basis of personal connections or private interests.
We take absolutely no part in bullying, harassment or other violence and are on guard against such behaviour.
We are aware of the power imbalances that exist between individuals and groups and do not abuse our own power.
We endeavour to promote and enhance a culture based on equality, diversity and mutual respect.
Further information on the University of Iceland's Equality Action Plan, regulations and procedures:
Academic freedom is the cornerstone of all work at the University, promoting critical thinking, the creative pursuit of knowledge, open-mindedness and forward-thinking.
We respect each other's freedom to conduct research and express our academic knowledge and convictions.
We recognise each other's freedom to offer objective criticism of policy and working practices at the University
We publish our research findings under our own name or under the name of the relevant organisational unit at the University. Nobody may assert the stance of the University of Iceland other than the University Council or the rector, under the authority of the University Council.
We always respect rules and standards regarding research ethics and good scientific practice. We guarantee objectivity in research and the presentation of research results, give careful consideration to our academic independence, avoid any kind of conflict of interest and respect copyright.
Further information on research ethics and good scientific practice:
We show each other respect in our manner and communications, in speech and in writing, and exchange opinions in an objective manner.
We work together with integrity and impartiality and avoid letting personal connections and private interests affect our teamwork.
We ensure fairness and recognise each other's contributions to the academic community.
We take responsibility for the impact our work has on society, nature and the environment.
We uphold sustainability as a guiding principle, avoid waste and seek to minimise the negative impact of work and study on nature and the environment.
We endeavour to harness research and pursue technical transfer of knowledge to advance a thriving society, constructive discourse and quality of life for future generations.
We seek to promote a free, objective and critical exchange of opinions in society. We participate in public discourse or get involved with social issues or politics in accordance with our own convictions. At the same time, we are mindful of our responsibilities as members of the University community.
Information on sustainability and environmental issues:
We have ethical responsibilities regarding our work and conduct.
We do not tarnish the reputation or credibility of the University with unacceptable conduct, indifference to laws and regulations, or a lack of respect for the sanctity of life and human rights.
We ensure confidentiality and handle personal data with care.
We are careful in our use of funds or anything else of value entrusted to us or which we have at our disposal in our capacity as a staff member or student. We do not use them in our own private interests.
We avoid taking on projects that are incompatible with our obligations to the University.
We disclose shared interests and avoid conflicts of interest. We endeavour to create and maintain a work environment characterised by honesty and ethical conduct and do not hesitate to call attention to anything in the University's operations that is incompatible with the Code of Ethics.
If a staff member, student or anyone else becomes aware of conduct that violates the Code of Ethics, this should be brought to the attention of a manager or representative (as appropriate, a student representative or a staff member) or reported to the University of Iceland Ethics Committee.
The Ethics Committee accepts reports from parties within and outside the University, but does not start investigations on its own initiative.
Staff and students will not be penalised for submitting a reasoned report of a violation of the Code of Ethics or for seeking redress if they believe they have been wrongfully treated.
The Ethics Committee evaluates submitted reports and determines whether they first and foremost describe an alleged violation of the Code of Ethics. If the Committee believes that a report first and foremost pertains to rules other than the Code of Ethics, it shall dismiss the case and advise on the appropriate channel, depending on the nature of the matter.
The unit in question may consult the Ethics Committee on how to interpret the Code of Ethics.
The chair of the Ethics Committee shall regularly report to the rector on the Committee's work.
If the Ethics Committee takes on a case for full investigation, it shall deliver a verdict on whether the University's Code of Ethics has been violated.
The Ethics Committee works in accordance with operational rules ratified by the University Council, which are designed to guarantee impartiality and objective deliberation.
The verdict of the Ethics Committee must be reasoned and conclusive. The Committee shall not recommend disciplinary sanctions for a violation of the Code of Ethics, but shall take a position on the severity of the offence and whether it was a repeat offence.
If it is the Ethics Committee's verdict that the conduct in question amounts to a violation of the Code of Ethics, the Committee shall refer the report to the rector who shall take appropriate action in accordance with the law. In the case of a dispute or violation of laws and regulations outside the University's jurisdiction, the Committee shall dismiss the case.
An Ethics Committee operates at the University of Iceland and is responsible for investigating alleged violations of the University's Code of Ethics, publicising the Code of Ethics within the University, advising on the interpretation and treatment of the Code of Ethics and coordinating procedures at different units.
Approved at the University Forum on 31 October 2019 and ratified by the University Council on 5 December 2019.
An Ethics Committee operates at the University of Iceland and is responsible for investigating alleged violations of the University's Code of Ethics, publicising the Code of Ethics within the University, advising on the interpretation and treatment of the Code of Ethics and coordinating procedures at different units within the University.
The Committee's advisory role involves:
The Ethics Committee accepts written reports of alleged violations of the Code of Ethics from named parties within or outside the University. The Committee shall not start an investigation on its own initiative.
The Ethics Committee shall evaluate whether the report pertains first and foremost to the Code of Ethics. If the report first and foremost describes a violation of rules other than the Code of Ethics, the Committee shall dismiss the case and advise on the appropriate channel to pursue within the University.
The Ethics Committee provides organisational units with advice on the interpretation of the Code of Ethics, if so requested, but the processing and final resolution of individual cases shall be the responsibility of the relevant administrator.
If the Ethics Committee takes on a case for full investigation, it shall deliver a verdict on whether the Code of Ethics has been violated. In such instances, the Committee shall work in accordance with the following rules.
The chair of the Ethics Committee shall regularly report to the rector on the Committee's work.
The Ethics Committee shall, as applicable, work with reference to the principles of impartiality and correct procedure, e.g. regarding the status of the parties involved and consideration of their interests. In this context, see the principles of administrative law regarding case procedure, which aim to guarantee conscientious and objective processing of each case.
In order to protect the interests of parties to the case, the Ethics Committee may decide to treat case documents and its verdict as confidential. The Ethics Committee may also, in exceptional circumstances, decide to protect the identity of the person who reported the issue, if it can be demonstrated that the investigation may otherwise have negative consequences for this person.
The chair of the Ethics Committee is appointed by the University Council in accordance with a nomination from the rector. The Association of University Teachers and the State University Professors' Union each appoint one member. When a report is made to the Ethics Committee that calls for specialist knowledge, the Committee may ask the rector to appoint two additional members to investigate the case. Under the authority of the University Council, the rector appoints these two members, having received nominations from the chair of the Committee.
For cases that affect students, two members nominated by the Student Council shall be appointed.
The gender representation of members shall be as equal as possible.
If a member is unable to fulfil their duties for the Ethics Committee due to a legitimate absence, the rector, under the authority of the University Council, shall appoint a stand-in member.
The rector shall appoint a secretary for the Committee from among University staff. The secretary must have a law degree.
A member is ineligible to investigate a case if the limitations on eligibility apply, as described in Article 3 of the Administrative Procedures Act no. 37/1993. In this case the rector, under the authority of the University Council, shall appoint a stand-in member.
In case of a dispute regarding the eligibility of a committee member, the Ethics Committee shall settle it in accordance with Article 5 of the Administrative Procedures Act. Any dispute about the general eligibility of a committee member shall be referred to the University Council.
Before the Ethics Committee investigates a report, it must conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the alleged conduct is relevant to the University of Iceland Code of Ethics. If the report first and foremost describes a violation of rules other than the Code of Ethics, the Committee shall dismiss the case, but will advise on the appropriate channel to pursue within the University. The Committee may also dismiss ungrounded reports and reports of an alleged violation of laws and regulations that should be handled by the government or the courts.
If the Ethics Committee receives a report that merits a full investigation, it shall notify the parties involved and allow them a certain amount of time to state their cases.
The Ethics Committee shall gather the evidence it requires in order to give its verdict. Confidentiality and anonymity will be guaranteed where appropriate, see Article 1. The Ethics Committee shall have unrestricted access to pertinent files in the University archives. Communications between committee members and parties to the case shall be documented as far as possible. Interviews may only be recorded with the consent of the interviewee. Parties to the case shall have the chance to review and approve their documented statements.
Parties alleged to have violated the Code of Ethics may, at their own expense, bring an advocate to meetings with the Ethics Committee.
All documentation and the verdict of the Ethics Committee shall be filed under a unique case number in the University of Iceland archives.
Data protection laws govern access to the evidence gathered by the Ethics Committee.
Before the Ethics Committee reaches a verdict, parties shall have the right to argue their case regarding the alleged misconduct, all gathered evidence, and the statements of other parties where available.
After considering the legal basis of the case, see Article 4, the Ethics Committee may at any time during procedures explore whether the parties are willing to settle their dispute. If the parties decide to settle their dispute, the Ethics Committee shall, as far as possible, support them through conciliation.
The Ethics Committee's verdict must be supported by reasoned arguments and conclusively state whether the University of Iceland Code of Ethics has been violated. If the Ethics Committee is unable to reach a clear verdict due to lack of evidence about the facts of the case, the report shall be dismissed. If members are unable to agree on whether the Code of Ethics has been violated, the verdict will be determined by the majority opinion.
The Ethics Committee does not determine disciplinary sanctions, but shall take a position on the severity of the conduct in question.
The verdict of the Ethics Committee shall be in writing and announced to the parties by letter. The verdict shall also be sent to the rector, who shall take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The Ethics Committee's verdict on whether the conduct in question constitutes a violation of the Code of Ethics is final. The Ethics Committee is also authorised to alert the rector to any flaws in current regulations at the University of Iceland.