Discoveries in the life sciences have significantly improved our quality of life and overall level of human wellbeing. However, the recent revolution in biotechnology has also raised concerns over bioethics and safety as modern biotechnology poses great potential risks and side effects to human life. It is therefore important for scientific researchers to adhere strictly to the global ethical standards of their profession in order to protect human life and the environment. We hereby have established a charter of ethics for researchers to ensure that scientific advancement complies, at all times, with accepted international standards and ethical principles.

1. We, deeply recognizing the dignity of life, will avoid breaching this sanctity to our greatest ability.

2. We will conduct research with a full understanding of public interests and concerns over bioethics.

3. We will advance our scientific and technical competence to improve human health and wellbeing.

4. We will pursue integrity and accuracy in publishing research results and promote responsible public communication of scientific information.

5. We will ensure that informed consent is always obtained from research participants and that their dignity, rights, and welfare are protected at all times.

6. We will exercise proper care and caution when using animals for research and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

7. We will make no research attempts and perform no studies that might endanger the local ecosystem or environmental condition.

8. We will maintain creditability and respect with colleagues and make unbiased judgements about each other's research results.

9. We will make decisions in a scientific manner and ensure accuracy and transparency in every aspect of the research process.

10. We will fairly and fully acknowledge and credit the contributions of others and respect the copyright and the right to use previously secured by others.

October 2005
The Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology