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Ethics & Science Principles

Principles

Ethics & Science Principles

The project is useful only if scientific ambition is matched by respect for people, evidence, uncertainty and consequences.

01

Scientific rigor

Use methods that are appropriate to the question. Separate measurement from interpretation. Avoid stronger causal, diagnostic, predictive, or individual claims than the design can support.

02

Respect for human dignity

Intelligence research concerns people, not abstract scores. Language, tools, examples and applications should avoid dehumanising, stigmatising, or reducing a person to a single measure or category.

03

Open science with boundaries

Reasoning, sources, methods, versions, corrections and non-sensitive outputs should be inspectable whenever possible. Openness does not override consent, privacy, copyright, test security, participant safety, or legitimate institutional restrictions.

04

Privacy and data minimisation

Collect and retain only what is needed for a defined purpose. Sensitive data require stronger safeguards, clear governance, controlled access, and a lawful and ethical basis for use.

05

Accessibility and inclusion

Research and communication should consider disability, language, culture, age, health, technology access, and the cognitive demands created by the systems themselves. Accessibility is part of validity, not a decorative extra.

06

Human agency

Support should help people use their abilities, make informed choices, and retain meaningful control. Technology and institutional systems should not quietly replace human judgement where the consequences require accountability.

07

Correction and humility

Scientific work is allowed to be unfinished. Uncertainty, negative findings, failed predictions, and criticism are information. The project should change when better evidence requires it.

08

Public benefit

The long-term purpose is to improve understanding and support better decisions in education, health, work, daily life, technology, and public systems. Scientific sophistication is not enough if the resulting work cannot be used responsibly.

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