1. Research is independent
All research must be conducted in a way that ensures its conduct, analysis and findings are independent of funders, data providers and other sponsors. Funders and/or data sources must be acknowledged in outputs, either by name or by identifying the nature of the individual/organization.
2. Participants are provided with appropriate information and give informed consent
The information given to participants must cover the purposes, methods and intended uses of the research, including potential risks and plans for publication. Explicit ethical approval must be obtained if, for any reason, informed consent cannot be obtained from identifiable individuals/groups/organizations. Participants must not be coerced into taking part in research and must be able to withdraw at any time if they so wish. Research must be designed to minimize actual or perceived conflicts of interest (e.g. monetary gain).
3. Participants shall have the level of anonymity that they desire
Data from participants should be reported in a way that makes the participant responses both anonymous and unattributable. In research where specific results are derived from responses (including quotations, even if unattributed), the participants must specify the extent to which they want to be identified in the conduct of the research, the storage of data and any subsequent publication.
4. Researchers minimize potential harm and protect “at risk” populations
When individuals/groups/organizations may suffer adverse consequences from research and/or a publication, an explicit ethical approval must be obtained from them, and the expected benefits of the research must outweigh potential risks. Specific attention must be given to: (i) ‘at risk’ individuals/groups/organizations, and (ii) colleagues, when undertaking action-research and participant observation.
5. Stored data is safeguarded
Explicit steps must be taken to store data securely, control access and ultimately destroy data if necessary or required. Data should only be stored on password-protected computers and/or cloud backup systems, where access can be tracked to specific individuals. Confidential information must not be shared with others. If respondent identity is not necessary for analysis, this information should be stripped from the core data and discarded. If identity is important, researchers should consider separating identities from other data using randomized case numbers, with the case key stored in a separate location.
6. Information and data is not plagiarized, fabricated or used in misleading ways
Research must be conducted with integrity and in good faith. The sources of information and data must be stated with appropriate acknowledgement, including referencing of sources in publications. Analysis must be rigorous, avoiding misleading use of information and data to support arguments or conclusions.
7. Ethical standards are observed in publications
These standards apply not only to data collection and analysis but also to publications, which includes presentations, media contributions and interviews as well as printed and online publications. Individuals making substantial contributions to any publication must be credited as co-authors. The order of authors must follow recognized standards: in particular, any author who has made the largest contribution to the publication should be listed first, irrespective of academic rank or title.
8. Applicant’s personal data
If you apply for funding from Imagination Lab Foundation, we may process personal data about you to assess your application. The personal data we process are provided by you, but we may also receive the information from other parties such as your organization, or we may collect information from publicly accessible sources.
We process your personal data based on our legitimate interests in finding the right projects, and for us to be able to assess your proposal for entering into an agreement regarding funding. If you receive any funding from Imagination Lab Foundation, we will furthermore process your personal data as we have a legal obligation to obtain documentation for relevant authorities.
We will keep your personal data for the period necessary to complete assessment of the application in question and for relevant documentation and monitoring of any award of funding.
The personal data will be stored in Switzerland and processed in a safe and secure manner. The applicant can at any time revoke the application by contacting the foundation.
By accepting the Terms of Reference, the applicant confirms to be informed of the processing of personal data in relation to the application process.