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Our Purpose

The ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Ethics Program is dedicated to promoting and guiding ethical practices across all ASM’s efforts, initiatives and activities. To build support and trust within the microbial sciences and the broader community, we are committed to creating and upholding ethical policies and procedures. Our focus is on ensuring adherence to best practices and addressing concerns related to publishing ethics, scientific integrity and professional conduct. We also effectively facilitate ethical practices and ensure member compliance across all programs and initiatives of the Society, including, but not limited to, member engagement, policymaking and outreach.

Building a Solid Foundation: Demystifying Publishing Ethics

While our ethics policies primarily focus on issues involving , they extend to individual program areas (, meetings, the Academy, etc.), as well. The ever-changing technological landscape, e.g., artificial intelligence (AI), requires periodic review, and ethics policies are routinely updated to maintain equity and clarity.

Want more information about how to disclose conflicts of interest, avoid duplicate submissions or unethical research?
 

Publishing Ethics 101 Playlist

AI in Scientific Writing and Publishing: Balancing Efficiency and Integrity

The power and potential of AI in scientific writing, particularly in enhancing how we write, edit, and communicate research is undeniable. That said, AI comes with the responsibility of ethical, transparent use. Researchers must not only master the technical side of AI tools, but also ensure they verify AI-generated content and provide full disclosure about its use. For graduate students, postdocs and early-career scientists, this is a crucial time to develop strong judgement, integrity and an ethical framework that integrates AI responsibly. In this session, Aashi Chaturvedi, Ph.D., Program Officer—Ethics and Integrity at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Journals, aims to equip attendees with practical strategies and emphasizes the importance of transparency, verifying AI output, and always being open about AI’s role in the writing process.

AI is transforming how we write, but your voice remains irreplaceable. Use AI to enhance, not replace, your creativity.

Ethical Research Starts Before the Study

Ethical oversight  is critical in microbiology research. Gundula Bosch, Ph.D., illustrates how strong scientific work can be rejected, even dismissed, if conducted without prior ethics approval. She also emphasizes that ethical review cannot be retroactive and provides tips to help researchers engage early, seek guidance, maintain training and follow appropriate review pathways.

Ensuring the integrity of ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Publications

As a valuable resource to the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Journals Program, the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Ethics Program offers in-depth guidance on ethics-related cases and matters. All ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿Journals are members of the .

Our Standards & Guiding Principles for Society Members

As ethical standards extend beyond publishing and provide guidance for all of ASM, we maintain the following principles:
 

• Uphold and advance the integrity and dignity of the microbial sciences.
• Exemplify inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability (IDEAA).
• Aspire to use knowledge and skills for the advancement of human welfare.
• Model honest, ethical, impartial and professional interactions.
• Strive to increase the competence and prestige of the profession.
• Seek to maintain and expand professional knowledge and skills.