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Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics

Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics

Integrity of research

  • Staff are to be made aware of the Code and other laws, standards and relevant guidelines.
  •  Research is to be performed by qualified persons to optimal scientific standards and conducted with integrity.
  •  Accurate and comprehensive research records must be maintained and reported as required by regulatory authorities and professional standards.
  •  The laboratory must manage and disclose conflicts of interest in research.
  •  Systems are in place to ensure conflicts, or potential conflicts of interest are addressed and resolved.
  •  Work with state and federal authorities and advisory bodies to ensure activities are fully assessed for adverse impacts on human or animals safety, or the environment.
  •  Research/projects will not proceed where assessed risks outweigh benefits or where the research is not approved by regulatory authorities.
  •  Any risk or adverse consequence associated with research is reported to the relevant authority.

Care and protection of staff and public

  • Comply with requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (Qld) [superceded] and Australian standards governing laboratory safety.
  • Institute safety measures to ensure the health and safety of our staff, and ensure staff are properly trained.

Supporting discussion on ethical issues and resourcing ethics committees

  • Consideration and discussion of ethical issues will be encouraged.
  • Uphold the right of any person to contribute to the debate and discussion of ethical challenges created by biotechnology.
  • Necessary support will be provided to ethics and biosafety committees established within the organisation.

Import and quarantine controls

  • The laboratory will comply with all national standards when importing and exporting biotechnology products or materials.

International obligations

  • The laboratory will observe all laws and standards applicable to other countries in which we conduct biotechnology activities or export biotechnology research or products.

Bioremediation and bioprocessing

  • We will support the development of biotech solutions that delivery cleaner industrial and municipal processes
  • We will seek to ensure that bioprocessing technologies do not pose unacceptable risk to staff, the environment or public health.

Genetic testing

  • We will not disclose personal information from genetic tests to third parties without the consent of the individuals involved.