Professional Ethics & Code of Conduct Policy

All Parties are expected to:

• Maintain high standards of honesty, professionalism, and personal integrity.
• Engage in rigorous intellectual debate while remaining respectful and courteous.
• Avoid conduct that could reasonably bring Schmidt Sciences into disrepute.
• Familiarize themselves with and comply with applicable Schmidt Sciences policies.
• Comply with the specific terms and conditions set forth in any written agreement with Schmidt Sciences (e.g., any grant, advisory, services or other written agreement).

Science underpins every major decision of Schmidt Sciences. Therefore, Parties have a responsibility to conduct, use, and communicate all matters with scientific integrity. Parties must adhere to the following widely accepted principles:

• Adhere to principles of honesty, accountability, transparency, and professional fairness.
• Avoid fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and improper attribution.
• Follow the policies and procedures of their host institution or employer.
• Meet or exceed internationally recognized standards, including the principles reflected in the 2010 Singapore Statement on Research Integrity.
• Obtain appropriate approvals (e.g., Institutional Review Board or equivalent) and/or third-party intellectual property rights where required.
• Scientific communications must be responsible, accurate, and not misleading.

Schmidt Sciences strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based on characteristics protected by relevant law, including but not limited to race, color or creed; national origin; age; physical or mental disability; marriage or partnership status; pregnancy, maternity, marital or family status; religion or belief; gender, gender identity or expression; predisposing genetic characteristics; sexual orientation; veteran status; power differential; status as a veteran or active military service member, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law(s). 

Examples of prohibited conduct may include, but are not limited to: 

• Verbal, physical, visual, written, or non-verbal conduct that creates, or is intended to create, an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive work environment based on a protected characteristic
• Offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, nicknames, insults, or derogatory comments based on a protected characteristic
• Sexual harassment in any form, regardless of intent, including unwanted sexual advances; or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• Quid pro quo harassment —explicitly or implicitly— as the basis for employment decisions, opportunities, or treatment
• Retaliatory or coercive behavior that punishes an individual for reporting sexual harassment or asserting their rights
• Bullying or abusive conduct, even if not tied to a protected characteristic

Parties must maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information obtained through their relationship with Schmidt Sciences, including without limitation:

• Non-public management, planning, or financial information.
• Embargoed information shared in confidence.
• Sensitive, proprietary, or unpublished research from partners, collaborators, or host institutions.

Confidentiality obligations may continue beyond the duration of funding, affiliation, or participation.

Parties who experience or witness discrimination, harassment, misuse of funds, breaches of research integrity, or other misconduct in connection with activities sponsored or supported by Schmidt Sciences are encouraged to report concerns promptly.

Reports should be directed to:
Schmidt Sciences – Office of the President
[email protected]

Schmidt Sciences will:

• Investigate reported concerns in a timely manner.
• Apply corrective or disciplinary measures as appropriate and consistent with applicable procedures and in compliance with applicable law.

Serious, unlawful, repetitive, or reputation-damaging conduct may result in immediate action by Schmidt Sciences.

This policy is administered by Schmidt Sciences’ Office of the President. The Office reserves the right to update or amend this policy at its discretion to reflect legal requirements, best practices, or evolving organizational needs.