Responsible Conduct of Research: Moral and Professional Obligations in Research

Abstract

The Second World War was a historical milestone for a number of things. In science the application of Albert Einstein's physics formulae were proven beyond reasonable doubt. Bang, Bang! The atomic bomb detonated on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in August 1945, unveiling the unprecedented truth of nuclear atomic energy. But even Hiroshima cannot completely question the outweighing benefits of Einstein's coined E = mc mass energy equivalence equation and his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect that made him win the 1921 Nobel Prize . The resultant benefits, from Einstein's discoveries, to human kind have been and remain to be outstanding. However, a visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the atom bomb coupled with a chat with the Hibakushas2, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors, always begs the difficult moral question, 'what was the morality of the scientific discovery of the atomic bomb? Indeed the human activity of delving into elucidating the unknown, commonly known as 'research', has not been without controversy across ages during humankind's existence on earth especially each time it has crossed the boundaries of justice and fair play. There is neither doubt nor any argument regarding the necessity of maintaining a clear equilibrium between human morality and the pursuit of science. The greatest scientist himself, Albert Einstein, unreservedly propounded this truth. He is quoted to have said; The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life. Now, the difficult lies on how to balance between research and obligations of human kind common good. Failure to do so leaves ugly trails of life with loss of human dignity.