---
title: "Hippocratic Oath for scientists"
chunk: 2/2
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath_for_scientists"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T04:23:20.973444+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

=== David King ===
In 2007, the UK government's chief scientific advisor, David King, presented a "Universal Ethical Code for Scientists" at the British Association's Festival of Science in York. Despite being a code rather than an oath, this was widely reported as a Hippocratic oath for scientists. In contrast to the earlier oaths, King's code was not only intended to meet the public demand that "scientific developments are ethical and serve the wider public good" but also to address public confidence in the integrity of science, which had been shaken by the disgrace of cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-suk and by other research-fraud scandals.
Work on the code started in 2005, following a meeting of G8 science ministers and advisors. It was supported by the Royal Society in its response to a public consultation on the draft code in 2006, where they said it would help whistleblowers and the promotion of science in schools.
The code has seven principles, divided into three sections:

Rigour
Act with skill and care in all scientific work. Maintain up to date skills and assist their development in others.
Take steps to prevent corrupt practices and professional misconduct. Declare conflicts of interest.
Be alert to the ways in which research derives from and affects the work of other people, and respect the rights and reputations of others.
Respect

Ensure that your work is lawful and justified.
Minimize and justify any adverse effect your work may have on people, animals and the natural environment.
Responsibility

Seek to discuss the issues that science raises for society. Listen to the aspirations and concerns of others.
Do not knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled, about scientific matters. Present and review scientific evidence, theory or interpretation honestly and accurately.

== See also ==
Code of conduct
Code of ethics
Universal code (ethics)

== References ==

== External links ==
Transcript of a Conversation with Sir David King, 2007;
Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, 2008 Archived 15 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine;