Code of Conduct for the RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS)

The RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (hereafter iTHEMS) has established this Code of Conduct to achieve its founding objectives: the pursuit of truth in the mathematical sciences, fostering interdisciplinary exchanges among researchers, promoting cross-disciplinary research, creating new academic fields, and cultivating talented individuals who will lead these research endeavors. All iTHEMS members shall adhere to this Code of Conduct in all activities related to iTHEMS. This Code of Conduct is in accordance with the RIKEN Code of Conduct (in Japanese).

  1. Fundamental Principles
    To achieve the aforementioned objectives, iTHEMS members shall value a spirit of openness and freedom, strive to create and maintain an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and take responsibility for developing and sustaining such an environment.
  2. Pursuit of Scientific Truth
    iTHEMS members shall conduct their research with integrity and a sincere commitment to the pursuit of scientific truth.
  3. Ethics in Research Activities
    iTHEMS members shall not engage in misconduct such as fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or duplicate submissions, nor shall they engage in any destructive actions. They shall ensure the proper preservation of research records and appropriately acknowledge the intellectual contributions of others when publishing research outcomes.
  4. Social Responsibility
    iTHEMS members shall recognize that maintaining and developing iTHEMS activities and achieving its objectives require the trust of society. Therefore, they shall work to enhance public understanding of iTHEMS research activities through dissemination of research outcomes and outreach activities. They shall carefully consider the social impact of their research, strive to communicate information objectively and responsibly, and strictly refrain from the improper disclosure of confidential information (including interactions with the media and use of social media). Additionally, they shall rigorously manage conflicts of interest in industry-academia collaborations and joint research to ensure fair and impartial research activities.
  5. Fostering an Enjoyable Research Environment for All
    iTHEMS members shall practice and uphold fairness and transparency, engage in respectful, open, free and constructive discussions, and help foster an environment where members will feel physically and psychologically safe. Members shall also act in a mutually supportive manner and contribute to the development of a healthy research culture.
  6. Respect for Individuals
    iTHEMS members shall respect the fundamental human rights and dignity of all individuals, and conduct themselves with decorum in all situations.
  7. Elimination of Discrimination and Harassment
    iTHEMS members shall recognize the diversity of values and shall not engage in any form of discrimination based on race, nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical characteristics, disabilities, religion, beliefs, affiliation, background, social status, or family circumstances. Furthermore, they shall not engage in bullying or any form of harassment.
  8. Resources for Additional Information, Reports or Feedbacks
    Some resources for those seeking clarifications regarding the iTHEMS Code of Conduct or those wishing to file a report include the following:
    1. Consultation Desk for Research Misconduct (re Paragraphs 2, 3, 4)
      The contact information is posted on the internal iTHEMS page.
    2. Consultation Desk for Harassment (re Paragraphs 5, 6, 7)
      The contact information is posted on the internal iTHEMS page.
    3. Feedbacks and comments
      The iTHEMS Code of conduct is renewed on a regular basis to be improved and representative of the goals iTHEMS sets for itself. As such, members are welcome to discuss its contents among themselves and suggest improvement.

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