Research ethics & Integrity

The words listed below—unless the context suggests otherwise—will hold the meanings described alongside them for this document:

1. The University: University of Tabuk
2. Researchers: University faculty members, students, and other affiliates engaged in scientific research activities constitute the body of the university. This also includes the university’s contractors and collaborators.
3. Individuals working on scientific research: This includes students, research assistants, technicians, administrators, and reviewers who, in one way or another, are involved in research or research projects.
4. Research individuals: Research individuals are all persons on whom scientific research is conducted, through a scientific questionnaire or opinion survey, or through medical laboratory examination, diagnosis, or treatment, and who have given their written consent.

5. Authors: Individuals listed in the scientific output and have, in one way or another contributed significantly towards scientific research. They are answerable and liable for the processes and outcomes of the research.

6. Academic freedom: The right of academics to address research and knowledge topics freely, in accordance with the globally recognized academic rules and norms.

7. Research integrity: Adherence to scientific ethical values and professional standards in conducting scientific research, ensuring the research process is carried out with reliability and accuracy. 

8. Research misconduct: Engaging in acts such as fabricating data or results; falsifying or manipulating research procedures to obtain outcomes not supported by the research; committing plagiarism by stealing or misappropriating others’ ideas; improperly citing sources; recycling previously published research by oneself or others; omitting the names of actual research participants; adding names of individuals who did not participate in the research; or any other serious errors or violations.

9. Scientific research on humans: The regulated procedures conducted on humans for the purpose of collecting information and testing hypotheses for scientific purposes. 

10. Scientific research on animals: The regulated procedures conducted on animals for the purpose of collecting information and testing hypotheses for scientific purposes.

11. Conflict of interest: Refers to situations in which a researcher may gain personal benefits from decisions or actions taken by virtue of their professional role or official position in research or a research project.

12. Copyrights: A form of legal protection that preserves the author’s rights when reproducing their intellectual/scientific work or producing a new original work.

13. Patent: A legal guarantee (local or international) that grants the patent holder the right to control, produce, use, or commercialize their invention.

14. Research risk: The potential harm that researchers, participants, subjects, and the surrounding environment may be exposed to during the conduct of the research.

15. Confidentiality: Not disclosing or passing on any data, information, or results related to research, scientific experiments, or researchers except to those authorized to disclose them.

16. Privacy: Preserving the specific conditions of participants in terms of customs, thinking, and what is required by tradition.

17. Electronic Publishing: The dissemination of some or all scientific material on the World Wide Web, either for a fee or free of charge.

The University of Tabuk seeks to achieve a number of objectives through these regulations, including:

1. Affirming and strengthening the values of honesty, integrity, fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity among all individuals and collaborators involved in scientific research at the university.
2. Strengthening and promoting the concept of “responsibility” and “accountability” among all individuals working in scientific research at the university.
3. Encouraging researchers, students, and other individuals to disclose and report any ethical violations in research conduct that may come to their attention.
4. Enhancing efficiency, quality, and excellence in the university’s scientific research at both local and global levels.
5. Educating researchers, students, and administrative staff collaborating in scientific research about proper ethical conduct and its various dimensions, in addition to promoting awareness among them.
6. Enhancing the university’s global reputation through disciplined ethical practices in scientific research, in alignment with international standards and best practices.

1. The Research Ethics Regulations apply to all affiliates of the University of Tabuk, including faculty members and equivalent positions, in addition to researchers, students, and all those who collaborate or are contracted by the university in the field of scientific research. All parties are required to comply with these regulations.
2. The regulations apply to all scientific output, including books, research papers published in scientific journals, student research, theses and dissertations, works published in conference proceedings, scientific articles, reports or printed or published studies, patents, visual data, catalogues, fine art productions, computer programs, database designs, and all content published on websites, in the media, or presented in public lectures.

1. All individuals involved in scientific research at the university shall adhere to the following values and practices:

2. Honesty: Fulfilling all responsibilities entrusted to researchers, maintaining truthfulness throughout all processes and stages of scientific research—from its design to the publication of results, while also preserving others’ intellectual property rights, honouring promises and agreements, and avoiding betrayal.
3. Integrity: Refraining from any undeserved research benefits, unjustifiably infringing on the rights or intellectual products of others, or prioritizing personal interests over public interests.
4. Equality: Treating all research participants and subjects fairly and respectfully, without discrimination based on race, gender, cultural background, religious beliefs, or political affiliations.
5. Objectivity: Presenting the results and findings derived from scientific research in their true and pure form and without distortion or manipulation, in order to serve unrelated purposes or personal beliefs to the research and its results.
6. Research Freedom: The right of researchers to choose the research topics they wish to explore, to select appropriate research methodologies, and to determine the most suitable academic platforms for presenting their knowledge from research.
7. Openness: Researchers should respond to reasonable requests from the research community for the data and information they used to reach their research results, in order to confirm, update, or critique the findings.
8. Accuracy: Using appropriate methods, procedures, and tools to handle data in order to obtain accurate scientific measurements, free from errors that could result in misleading or false research outcomes.
9. Confidentiality and Privacy: The right of individuals and groups participating in scientific research to have the data and information collected about them kept confidential, including how such information is used, shared, or disclosed.
10. Transparency and Accountability: Full readiness and willingness to present the procedures and methods used in scientific research, and readiness to be held accountable for all matters related to the research process, its results, and its implications.
11. Responsibility: Researchers should fully undertake and fulfil their assigned tasks and roles, committing to them with internal motivation and self-discipline without external monitoring.
12. Responsible Research Supervision: Ensuring that students and researchers are guided to follow the principles and ethics of scientific research, and maintaining academic integrity regarding their research contributions.
13. Responsibility Toward Society: Directing scientific research to serve and advance society, deliver benefits to all, and prevent or mitigate potential risks or harm to the community.
14. Competence: Only individuals who possess the necessary tools and abilities should engage in research activities, while also working to develop and maintain such skills and cumulative expertise.
15. Legal Legitimacy: Full knowledge of all laws, regulations, and policies related to scientific research, adhering to them, and refraining from violating them.
16. Care for Human Beings: Preserving human life, dignity, and privacy must be the highest priority when conducting research involving humans, and taking all necessary precautions to prevent any potential risks or harm.
17. Care for Animals: If it becomes necessary to conduct scientific experiments on animals, all measures and precautions must be taken to provide suitable conditions for the experiment and to minimize the animals’ pain and suffering.

1. The Regulations for Research Ethics are a set of principles, values, procedures, and behavioral practices that help all individuals involved in scientific research—researchers, participants, and stakeholders—distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable research practices, and apply and adhere to these standards in practice.
2. The overall goal of the “Regulations for Research Ethics” is to provide a general framework of principles, values, behaviours, and procedures to be followed by all those involved in research at the University of Tabuk, so that research at the university aligns with international standards and best practices. These regulations should serve as a reference and guide, as well as a basis for evaluating conduct and ensuring accountability.
3. All individuals engaged in research should adhere to the highest standards of performance, ethics, and good practice, and be fully familiar with the Regulations for Research Ethics.
4. All those engaged in research must work toward supporting the public good and preventing or minimizing societal harm through scientific research.
5. All individuals engaged in research must be knowledgeable about and comply with institutional systems, regulations, and policies related to scientific research.
6. All researchers at the university must comply with the conflict-of-interest rules stated in the Regulations on the Ethics of Scientific Research on Living Organisms and its implementing regulations, and disclose any financial conflicts of interest or any grants received from governmental, private, or charitable organizations.
7. All researchers at the university must disclose any joint research or financial relationships with any entity directly related to the research topic to the university and to other external parties that may be approached for research funding. This includes direct and indirect benefits such as sponsorship, financial support, provision of materials, or other forms of assistance.
8. All researchers at the university must obtain the necessary permits when requesting funding from external parties, and must inform the university of such requests.
9. All researchers at the university must observe Shariah principles, professional ethics, and academic standards when conducting their research.
10. Research supervisors must educate students and novice researchers on the ethical principles and behaviours of scientific research outlined in this document, and provide a research environment where ethical issues can be discussed openly and transparently.

1. The university commits to raising awareness of the systems, regulations, and procedures related to research ethics, and to taking steps to ensure they are interpreted and disseminated among all research staff.
2. The university commits to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice, academic honesty, and professional integrity in research, and to preserving them, in addition to taking firm action against any misconduct by individuals covered under these regulations in accordance with Article Three.
3. The university commits to protecting the concepts and practices of academic freedom as a foundation for research activities aimed at acquiring and producing knowledge, and allowing researchers to choose their research partners—within the framework of the university’s environment and the academic and social context.
4. The university commits to providing an environment that enables responsible and ethical behaviour in research.
5. The university commits to providing a safe environment for conducting scientific research and to protecting the safety of individuals from any research-related risks.
6. The university commits to providing an environment conducive to research efficiency, encouragement, and support—whether administratively, financially, or through policies and regulations.
7. The university commits to enhancing the capabilities of researchers and students, and training them in ethical practices in scientific research.
8. The university commits to preventing the misuse of supervisory authority in research and to promoting values of respect for individuals and recognition of distinguished contributors.
9. The university commits to providing mechanisms and appropriate procedures for reporting and addressing research misconduct.
10. The university commits to determining appropriate penalties for any violations or breaches of the Regulations for Research Ethics.
11. The university commits to ensuring non-discrimination between individuals or groups involved in research based on gender, origin, ethnicity, religion, or other factors unrelated to competence, integrity, or ability in scientific research.
12. The university commits to upholding contracts and agreements, ensuring technical and financial integrity in managing research projects, and seeking scientific value in research work regardless of personal gain.
13. The university encourages its researchers to undertake joint and collaborative research projects with distinguished researchers and scientists from other local and international institutions, as well as to encourage and support multidisciplinary research.

1. Researchers must use appropriate research methods, base their conclusions on sound critical scientific thinking, and document results and interpretations objectively.
2. Researchers must uphold honesty in all research practices and comply with agreements made with supporting and funding entities.
3. Researchers must maintain objectivity and avoid bias in all aspects of research.
4. Research personnel must adhere to the subject, purpose, and objectives of the research, as well as the methods that achieve these objectives.
5. Researchers and research supervisors must be fully aware of the university’s systems, regulations, and procedures related to research and publication, and ensure that research is conducted in accordance with the Regulations for Research Ethics.
6. Researchers must follow the university’s practices and procedures regarding the publication and availability of academic work in a manner that serves the university’s interests and complies with regulations.
7. Researchers and supervisors must act responsibly toward research work, ensuring that research design complies with the university’s research ethics policies and regulations.
8. Researchers must avoid providing any false or misleading information regarding their experience, training, qualifications, academic degrees, awards, affiliations, services provided, or publications produced.
9. Researchers must exercise academic freedom in a manner that is consistent with honesty and responsibility in conducting research, producing knowledge, pursuing truth, and publishing it.
10. When exercising their academic freedom, researchers must act responsibly, avoid harming the university’s reputation or standing, and uphold the proper functioning of its operations.
11. Researchers must take responsibility for ensuring the quality of research work and the safety of research participants.
12. Researchers must acknowledge and cite all contributors to the research in accordance with the authorship rules stated in this document.
13. Researchers must not include the name of any person as a research or book author without significant and actual contributions, in accordance with the definition of authorship in Article One of this document.
14. Researchers must include the names of all contributors when publishing research, including electronic publications, and the approved authorship statement must indicate that the signatories are the actual authors. This statement must also confirm that all authors have reviewed the final version of the research submitted for publication.
15. In joint research projects, researchers must agree on publication arrangements before submission and inform partners of all rights, duties, mutual benefits, and withdrawal procedures at any stage, as documented in a research contract before starting the study.
16. Researchers must not submit research work to more than one journal simultaneously.
17. Researchers must not present research results to the media before they have been reviewed by specialized peer reviewers in refereed journals, unless there are agreements permitting this.
18. When using data from other researchers for further studies or analyses, researchers must clearly credit the original contributors.
19. Researchers must acknowledge the sponsoring or funding entity when publishing their research. Both researchers and participants have the right to withdraw from the research process if they provide justifiable reasons accepted by the team leader and the funding entity.

Academic supervisor obligations

1. The supervisor’s commitment to providing sincere and honest guidance to students in selecting a research topic (Master’s, PhD, or graduation project) that demonstrates originality, seriousness, and practical applicability.
2. Not to exploit their authority as a supervisor to take advantage of the student for personal reconciliation or blackmail.
3. Commitment to providing assistance to students to complete their theses or research projects.
4. Developing the student's characteristics and traits of a scientific researcher, especially seriousness, patience, perseverance, academic integrity, preservation of intellectual rights, appreciation of others’ efforts, and respect for opinions, etc.
5. Striving to uphold justice and equality among students, maintaining impartiality and equal treatment for all.
6. Assisting students in overcoming scientific and research challenges encountered during the preparation of their theses.
7. Adhering to intellectual property and copyright provisions outlined in Article Nine of this document when publishing scientific theses.

Student obligations

1. Demonstrating objectivity and scientific integrity when discussing opinions, forming judgments, and ensuring accuracy in transmission and citation.
2. Complying with the ethical standards and conduct rules governing scientific research, as well as the laws and regulations of the university.
3. Exercising personal and academic freedom in a manner that aligns with university values and ethics.
4. Following the instructions, advice, and guidance provided by the supervisor.
5. Observing intellectual property and copyright provisions outlined in Article Nine of this document when publishing scientific theses.

The general principles of intellectual property rights entail the following obligations:

1. All individuals engaged in scientific research must fully respect intellectual property rights. This includes refraining from using data, methods, results, or ideas published under the names of others and attributing them to non-owners in a manner that conflicts with rules, regulations, or moral values. It is also prohibited to attack the ideas of others and attribute them to non-owners.
2. All individuals engaged in scientific research must encourage and support creative and innovative research, register inventions and innovations resulting from research, protect the rights of all contributing parties, and promote the use of such research. Benefits arising from the research must be fairly distributed in accordance with contracts previously agreed upon between partners in scientific research.
3. All individuals who works in scientific research are obligated not to make any modifications to copyrighted and registered works, and to prevent any deletion, change, addition, distortion, or any other infringement.
4. The University of Tabuk retains ownership of works produced as institutional works—such as collective works that cannot be attributed to one author or to several distinct authors.
5. The University shall respect the rights of authors when using, reproducing, or publishing materials which they have contributed and are owned by the University.
6. Scientific discoveries and inventions made by researchers during their employment at the university shall be transferred to the University of Tabuk, while preserving the rights of the original researchers.
7. All individuals employed in scientific research who leave service at the University of Tabuk are obligated not to disclose any confidential information of scientific research, discoveries, and inventions that they become aware of through their work at the university.
8. These rules must not conflict with the University's obligations to fulfill its commitments with any external parties, including research sponsorship agreements, supporting institutions, licensing agreements, and similar.
9. Ownership of scientific theses—after their defense—and any resulting research, discoveries, or computer programs shall belong to the University. The University reserves the right to make them available for research purposes and scientific review.
10. When publishing a scientific thesis, or part thereof, the student must indicate their affiliation with the University of Tabuk.
11. When publishing a scientific thesis, or part of it, the student must also acknowledge the name of the supervisor or supervisory committee, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties. 
12. The supervisor or supervisory committee may not publish any part of the thesis without crediting the student as a research contributor. 
13. The student may not refuse to publish research derived from the thesis at the request of the supervisor or supervisory committee, provided such publication does not conflict with the principles of scientific research. 
14. The parties must agree on the order of authors’ names in any published work based on the percentage of participation in the research. 
15. The University is bound by copyright law, which stipulates that no producer, publisher, or printer may reprint the work without obtaining prior written consent from the rights holder.

1. When providing scientific consultations, all individuals engaged in scientific research must ensure accuracy in presenting research results, references, and scientific practices, in accordance with the Rules Regulating Scientific Research Ethics.
2. All individuals engaged in scientific research are prohibited from distorting the image of specific individuals or groups, regardless of any violations those individuals or groups who have allegedly committed in the opinion of the researcher. Research should instead focus on constructive criticism aimed at advancing human welfare.
3. Any individual engaged in scientific research who wishes to participate in research partnerships outside the University—whether local or international—must be fully familiar with and aware of the research and documentation policies of the partner institutions, including their intellectual property policies.
4. All individuals engaged in scientific research must commit to protecting the environment, reducing environmental pollution, and avoiding experiments or research that may cause environmental harm.

1. All individuals engaged in scientific research must respect the privacy and confidentiality of data and information. All data and information obtained must be handled ethically and in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the Kingdom.
2. The University is committed to not disclosing any personal or official data or information obtained or made available through any of its affiliated entities to third parties without written consent from the authorized party, unless disclosure is legally required.
3. When dealing with confidential data—such as patient records or survey responses—all individuals engaged in scientific research are obligated to maintain its confidentiality and privacy. They are prohibited from using such data for personal gain, for the benefit of third parties, or for any purpose other than the research for which it was collected.
4. All scientific research personnel must maintain accurate, organized, and documented records of the research procedures followed and results obtained, whether final or interim. These records must be available for examination by the competent university authorities.
5. Everyone engaged in scientific research is obligated to make primary research data or evidence available, after arbitration, and to publish it upon completion of the research to other researchers for verification or further use in other research, for a sufficient period of time, often 10 years. In large medical, social, environmental, or archaeological projects, the period is 20 years or more, unless there is a regulatory or legal reason preventing this.
6. All individuals working in scientific research are obligated to ensure that data related to publication is available for discussion and analysis by researchers and other evaluators. In cases of data confidentiality, it is preferable to keep it in a manner that ensures its reference by any third party without compromising the confidentiality and privacy of that data.
7. All individuals engaged in scientific research is obligated to keep data in its original form, and to store it in a safe manner that does not expose it to damage, taking into account updating preservation methods, and for data stored on media such as films and computer disks, it should not be erased, or its storage media reused.
8. All individuals engaged in scientific research is obligated to document appropriate methods for preserving data and primary research materials to ensure that they can be reused if necessary.
9. Original research data must be retained within the academic department or research unit where the research was conducted, although researchers may keep personal copies.
10. For data obtained through paid databases or contractual agreements, researchers must maintain an electronic link to the original data source or basic information.
11. Researchers are committed to ensuring that the confidentiality of data used in research is protected when it is kept in computer systems and electronic media.
12. Researchers must not engage in or facilitate unauthorized copying of data, papers, or any computer programs.
13. Research data may not be shared, transferred, or provided to others without written approval from the academic department or research unit where the research was conducted, although researchers may retain personal copies.

1. Researchers must explain the experiment to respondents, clearly stating its objectives, methods, and potential risks, using language appropriate to the respondents’ level of understanding, and must obtain written consent using a designated form.
2. Researchers must not to force or exert any pressure on respondents to participate in research, whether by threat, enticement, or in any other form.
3. Researchers must respect the right of individuals to refuse participation in the research at any stage, without causing them any harming.
4. In the case of a conflict between the interests of researchers and respondents, researchers are obligated to give priority to the interests of the respondents.
5. Researchers are obligated to inform respondents, prior to participation, of the level of confidentiality with which the materials they provide will be handled.
6. Researchers are obligated to conduct research at the appropriate time and place for the respondents ensuring that they do not cause any harm in any way.
7. Researchers are obligated that any method of recording respondents’ data or information (video, audio, or otherwise) must be comfortable, appropriate, and approved in writing by the respondents or their legal representatives prior to the start of the research.
8. Researchers are obligated to avoid exhausting or overburdening respondents, and interviews must be scheduled at times that do not cause undue fatigue.

This document outlines the following obligations to be observed when conducting human research:

1. The University and all individuals engaged in scientific research must comply with all laws, regulations, and executive rules governing research involving human subjects  that are in force within the Kingdom.
2. Consent to conduct research on a human subject must be based on preserving their right to a normal life and their protection from all forms of harm, in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia.
3. Research involving human subjects must serve clear and legitimate scientific objectives and, when required by the nature of the study, be preceded by adequate laboratory experiments on animals, in accordance with the standards of rigorous clinical research. 
4. Researchers must ensure that the expected or anticipated benefits to the human subject on whom the research is being conducted, outweigh the potential harm that may result from the experiment or research.
5. Researchers must not to exploit the conditions of the person being researched in any way, and must ensure that the subject is not to be under any kind of coercion or exploitation.
6. Research involving human vaccines, gametes, and embryos may only be conducted in accordance with the controls outlined in the Executive Regulations of the Research System on Living Creatures and the definitions contained therein.
7. Researchers must not to conduct research aimed at human reproduction. 
8. Researchers are required to obtain prior informed consent when conducting research on tissues, living cells, or body parts, including stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord or senescent stem cells.
9. Researchers are obligated not to conduct research on a minor, incapacitated person, or disabled person unless there is a benefit for these groups.
10. Research involving pregnant women, fetuses, or the pregnancy outcomes are permitted only in accordance with the controls specified in the Executive Regulations of the Research System on Living Creatures.
11. Research that involves the transfer and utilization of cells, tissues, and derivatives involved in the formation of sperm, gametes, and human reproductive material must adhere strictly to the conditions outlined in the Executive Regulations of the Research System on Living Creatures.
12. Researchers must not create embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells, or to donate male sperm and female eggs to produce fertilized eggs for the purpose of converting them into an embryo intended for stem cell extraction and research.
13. Researchers must not establish banks to store reproductive cells and sperm for the purpose of conducting experiments on them.
14. Researchers must not conduct research that could have a negative impact on society, especially that which perpetuates racial discrimination.
15. Scientific researchers are obligated to clearly explain the experiment to the participants, and state its objectives, work methods, and risks, using language appropriate to their level, and their consent is recorded in writing in a designated form.
16. When conducting research involving special groups, such as individuals under eighteen years of age, the elderly, people with disabilities/special needs, or prisoners, researchers are obligated to:
    ● Employ research methods that are appropriate to the needs of these groups that do not cause physical or psychological harm.
    ● Conduct research in compliance with legislation protecting human subjects.
    ● Present the research topic in clear and accessible language prior to participation.
    ● Obtain written consent from a guardian, legal representative, or authorized agent as applicable.

When conducting experiments or research involving animals and plants, researchers must adhere to the following obligations:

1. The use of animals for scientific research purposes must be carried out by employing recognized scientific experimental methods and in ways that avoid causing unnecessary pain or distress to the animals involved.
2. The use of animals must be limited to research for which the objectives cannot be achieved without such use.
3. Non-passive use of endangered animals 

(suggested: The use of endangered animals is prohibited unless explicitly permitted under applicable regulations and ethical guidelines.)

4. Animal welfare regulations must be observed throughout the course of experiments involving animals.
5. Laboratory animals must be disposed of humanely after the completion of the experiment.
6. Take the necessary measures and precautions when the research includes genetic modification experiments to prevent the release of genetically modified organisms from the laboratories where the research is conducted.
7. Comply with all regulations and procedures which regulate the handling of genetically modified organisms.
8. The use of plant species that harm the ecological balance or vegetation is prohibited, as is the use of endangered plant species

These rules shall be effective from the date of their adoption by the Scientific Council, and anything that conflicts with them shall be repealed.