Sigma Xi Ethics Publications
Booklets
Authors Without Borders: Guidelines for Discussing Authorship with Collaborators (2023)
This booklet explores the intersection of two complex issues in science and engineering, namely the issues of international and interdisciplinary collaborations, and authorship of peer-reviewed publications. Authors Without Borders is the result of a research project funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Click here to read the digital version of the booklet.
Sigma Xi active members may download the PDFs of these booklets free of charge.
For the Record: American Scientist Essays on Scientific Publication (2011) Order Now
Six experts examine ethical issues—and solutions—in scientific peer review and authorship. The essays in this volume originally appeared in American Scientist, and provide background and advice for anyone who uses or contributes to the scientific literature.
The Responsible Researcher: Paths and Pitfalls (1999) Order Now
A companion volume to Honor in Science (below), this booklet addresses issues relevant not just to graduate students, but to all of academia, industry, government and non-governmental organizations.
Honor in Science (1984) Order Now
First published in 1984, and now in its sixth printing with more than 100,000 copies in circulation, Honor in Science is required reading in many graduate programs as a guide to ethics and values in research.
Forum Proceedings
Leading researchers and policy-makers discuss key issues at the intersection of science and society.
New Ethical Challenges in Science and Technology (2000)
This timely forum addressed the societal implications of scientific developments such as the map of the human genome and online security and privacy issues.
Ethics, Values and the Promise of Science (1993)
Forum participants developed more than 20 conclusions and recommendations about ethical issues in science. They placed the responsibility for improving the public image of science on scientists themselves.
American Scientist Articles
In 2011, in conjunction with Sigma Xi's 125th anniversary, American Scientist published a series of essays that explore ethical issues in peer review and authorship.
Raising Scientific Experts (November–December)
Nancy L. Jones
Digitizing the Coin of the Realm (September–October)
Francis L. Macrina
Making Ethical Guidelines Matter (July–August)
Michael J. Zigmond
Authorship Diplomacy (May–June)
Melissa S. Anderson, Felly Chiteng Kot, Marta A. Shaw, Christine C. Lepkowski and Raymond G. De Vries
Honesty (March–April)
John F. Ahearne
A Troubled Tradition (January–February)
David B. Resnik
Other American Scientist articles have also addressed research ethics. Here are a few we recommend:
Human Embryonic Stem-Cell Research: Science and Ethics (July–August 1999, subscription required)
Shirley Wright
Ethical Problems in Academic Research (November–December 1993)
Judith Swazey, Melissa Anderson and Karen Louis