Scientists' ethics code proposed

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The government's chief scientist is expected to set out a universal code of ethics for scientists.

Professor Sir David King will outline seven principles aimed at building trust between scientists and society at the Annual Science Festival in York.

Among them will be steps to prevent corrupt practices and ways to minimise the effects research has on people, animals and the environment.

Sir David hopes they will be adopted by universities and industries worldwide.

The BBC's science correspondent Pallab Ghosh said it would be the scientific equivalent of medicine's Hippocratic oath.

It would be aimed at encouraging researchers to reflect on the impact their work would have on society, he said.

The seven principles have already been adopted within government and Sir David hopes to extend that to other places of research around the world.