Research standards and professional responsibilities

These proposed principles cover independent analysis, confidentiality, conflicts of interest and the terms experts should review before accepting work.

Independence of analysis

Questions should be open to evidence. Experts should not be asked to support a predetermined political position. Distinguish facts, interpretation, assumptions, and uncertainty.

Confidentiality

Do not share confidential employer, government, client, or participant information. Professional knowledge does not remove obligations to protect non-public material.

Conflicts and outside activities

Consider current and former roles, employer restrictions, and funding conditions. A live service would need a documented project-specific process.

Informed choice

Purpose, format, use, attribution, timing, and compensation should be clear before an expert agrees. Participation remains a choice for each engagement.

Evidence and its limits

Use appropriate sources, identify what they support, and explain limitations. Do not imply certainty where evidence is incomplete.

These are proposed principles. This preview does not provide individual legal advice or certify eligibility.
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