I. Purpose and Scope

 

The Applied Neuroscience Association (ANA) Ethical Practice Guidelines or AEPG promote ethical practices within the domain of Applied Neuroscience. AEPG compliments the ethical standards of members' respective professional bodies.

 

AEPG is underpinned by ANA Values of Ethics, Connection, Social Impact and Discovery:

 

ETHICS: Applying Neuroscience in society responsibly

CONNECTION: Cultivating meaningful relationships worldwide

SOCIAL IMPACT: Empowering knowledge translation fast!

DISCOVERY: Continuous learning innovation for all

 

AEPG applies to ANA Members in the official member register. As distinct from the ANA Network which includes academics, professionals, institutions, businesses, partners, and advisors.

 

New joiners are required to read, acknowledge their understanding, and agree to abide by AEPG as part of the ANA Member registration process. Additionally, members must remain informed about any updates to AEPG and reaffirm their commitment as and when revisions occur.

 

II. Responsibility for Ethical Conduct

 

ANA maintains and promotes AEPG, with responsibility for adherence shared by ANA and its members upon member registration.

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AEPG is a guidance document setting out registered members' ethical practices, including a commitment to continual professional development (CPD).

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AEPG is not legally binding and does not cover every potential ethical or professional nuance, including translation to local laws. Any such local nuances will not contradict the essence of AEPG.

 

III. Personal Conduct

 

All ANA Members treat one another with respect and consideration, cultivating an environment grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

 

AEPG's commitment to DEI is through education initiatives such as regular workshops on DEI-related topics to raise awareness, challenge biases, and develop inclusive practices across the Network and in policy.

 

Conduct that falls within the common definitions of harassment and discrimination is prohibited under AEPG, including but not limited to:

 

Harassment:

• Persistently engaging in unwelcome interactions: Repeated behaviours, communication, or actions that continue despite requests to stop, such as excessive messaging, unwanted proximity, or unsolicited comments.

• Disruptive behaviour: Actions or speech that interfere with others' ability to engage professionally, including interruptions, spreading misinformation, or creating distractions that hinder participation.

• Bullying and cyberbullying: Any repeated or severe behaviour, in-person or online, that intimidates, humiliates, or causes harm.

Discrimination:

• Hindering participation: Actions that marginalize, exclude, or demean individuals based on identity, background, or position, limiting their opportunities for recognition and involvement.

• Exclusionary behaviour: Conduct that singles out or disadvantages individuals due to personal characteristics (e.g., race, gender, disability), including stereotypes or policies that unfairly impact certain groups.

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IV. Professional Conduct

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AEPG encourages ANA members to commit to the following practices:

• Accurately advertising and presenting services, including a clear policy for client data protection and storage, an accessible complaints policy and relevant business insurance.

• Awareness of relevant statutory requirements in the countries in which practising, such as safeguarding practises if working with children or vulnerable adults.

• Taking all reasonable precautions to protect ANA service users from harm, always demonstrating a concern for individual's rights, safety, health, and dignity.

• Ensuring facts concerning individuals or organisations are accurate and verifiable and any sources used are evidence-based, assuming responsibility for the accuracy and fairness of presented information and disclosing any proprietary interests.

• Moderating any user-generated content that is legal and fit to share (no graphic content such as sexually explicit material or violence, hate speech, trolling, or spam).

• Fostering intellectual freedom through open discussion of theories and factual findings, conducive to promoting equity, diversity, inclusivity, and expression of ideas, free of harassment and discrimination.

• Maintaining appropriate autonomy and self-regulation, including safety and responsibility for other members in the context of supporting a friendly, safe, and welcoming experience for all members.

• Maintaining professional and cultural respect and integrity (legal, decent, truthful, and honest), such as when discussing the opinions and findings of others or faced with bribery or corruption.

 

Conduct that falls within the common definitions of unprofessional behaviour is prohibited under AEPG, including but not limited to:

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Unprofessional Behaviour:

• Compromising justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI): Using discriminatory language or actions that perpetuate stereotypes, reinforce biases, or marginalize others, undermining a culture of inclusion.

• Intentional misgendering and harmful disclosure: Deliberately using incorrect pronouns or sharing sensitive personal information without consent, violating privacy, and contributing to a hostile environment.

• Spreading misinformation or disinformation: Sharing false or misleading information, or disturbing content without proper warnings, which disrupts trust and the integrity of discussions.

• Breaching confidentiality and privacy: Disclosing sensitive information or processing personal data without explicit consent, except as required by law, while following relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) or applicable local privacy and security laws relevant to members' locations worldwide.

 

V. Misconduct

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Complaints Process:

ANA has a complaints policy available on its website, which outlines the steps for submitting a complaint. A dedicated ANA representative is established at the time of a complaint submission who is also responsible for documenting all reported incidents for transparency.

 

Reporting Process:

The complaints process includes how to submit a complaint, the time limit for responses, and what members can expect during the investigation process. ANA prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports misconduct in good faith or participates in the investigation process.

 

Mediation Process:

The complaints process includes what happens if mediation between the parties involved in a dispute is required. Members affected by misconduct should refer to their professional body and related local laws available to them.

 

Enforcement:

ANA reserves the right to take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance with the AEPG. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, issuing written warnings, or removing individuals from specific activities. In cases of gross misconduct, ANA may proceed with immediate removal from the ANA Register and the Network.

 

VI. ANA Global Events

 

ANA Global Events are open to all members. AEPG applies to all activities within this space. In addition:

 

• Participants should not record or publish any presentations made at ANA events without explicit written permission from the content owner. If permission is granted by the owner, participants must adhere to appropriate norms of citation and attribution.

• ANA does not endorse products, services, or opinions expressed by event speakers or participants. Misrepresentation of this nature is a violation of professional behaviour.

• All personal information provided to ANA (e.g., through registration forms) will be used solely for legitimate Association purposes. Personal data will not be shared, sold, or distributed.

• ANA applies best endeavours to all events being accessible to individuals with disabilities. Information on how participants can request accommodations will be provided in the related Q&A of each event.

• ANA acknowledges the importance of cultural sensitivity and encourages participants to be aware and respectful of diverse cultural backgrounds and practices.

• Ensure any copyright and credits are given where due for any speaking engagements or published content on behalf of ANA, and where required seek specific written permission for publishing access.

• Disclosure of conflicts of interest in abstracts and presentations is required under AEPG. This practice is important in maintaining integrity in academic and scientific communication.

 

 

VII. Full Members Continuous Professional Development

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AEPG recommends the following five standards for continual professional development (CPD) in Full Members chosen field of neuroscience. Full Members will:

1. Continuously and consistently maintain a precise, current, and truthful record of CPD.

2. Maintain the record of CPD to support proof of CPD activities which can be readily submitted where requested by ANA.

3. Actively strive for their CPD activities to positively impact the quality of their professional performance.

4. Actively strive for their CPD efforts to be ethical and professional to benefit the recipients of their services.

5. Be able to show that their CPD encompasses a diverse array of learning activities that are pertinent to both their present and prospective professional practice:

• Professional Engagement (e.g., working in a professional organisation such as providing mentorship).

• Academic and Educational Pursuits (e.g., composing articles or papers, pursuing further education).

• Practical Learning (e.g., reflective practices such as ethical considerations and critical reflection on experiences and learning, research projects or networking; guiding and overseeing staff or student(s).

• Independent Learning (e.g., perusing relevant scholarly journals, critical evaluation of scholarly books and articles)

• Miscellaneous Contributions (e.g., voluntary work, public service for social impact)

 

VIII. AEPG Continuous Improvement

 

ANA and its Members jointly take responsibility for reviewing and improving AEPG. This means regularly assessing and reflecting on the culture and behaviours to address any issues that may arise between members and within the Network.

 

ANA will gather feedback via surveys, focus groups, or Advisor consultations to inform updates to AEPG and educational sessions about AEPG and how to apply it effectively in everyday practice. In the longer term, ANA seeks to collaborate with leading neuroethics institutions to further enrich AEPG.

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ANA trusts that individuals will adhere to both AEPG and the professional standards of members' respective sectors, upholding shared ethical frameworks and values across all areas of work and academic practice.

 

 

The Applied Neuroscience Association (ANA)

ANA Ethical Charter (AEPG)

November 2024, v4

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