Doctoral Student Code of Ethics
Chapter I
General Principles
§1. Subject and Purpose of the Code
The Doctoral Student Code of Ethics of the University of National Education Commission in Kraków, hereinafter referred to as the “Code,” constitutes a set of fundamental norms of ethical conduct that should form an integral part of the identity of all individuals enrolled in the Doctoral School of UKEN. The purpose of the Code is to promote a culture of academic responsibility, research integrity, and respect for the dignity of the individual and the academic community.
§2. Scope of Application
The provisions of the Code apply to every person pursuing education at the Doctoral School of the University of National Education Commission in Kraków, regardless of discipline, form of study, or source of funding.
§3. Institutional Identity
Whenever the Code refers to the “University,” it shall mean the University of National Education Commission in Kraków.
§4. Significance of Academic Ethics
Academic ethics constitute an indispensable pillar of research reliability and the social responsibility of the University. All individuals enrolled in the Doctoral School are obliged to know, observe, and disseminate the principles set out in this Code.
§5. Sanctions
Violation of the principles of the Code may result in the initiation of disciplinary, ethical, or peer proceedings, depending on the nature of the offense and in compliance with the procedures in force at the University.
Chapter II
Ethical Standards
§6. Dignity and Academic Integrity
Doctoral students of the University shall be guided by impeccable moral conduct, demonstrated through integrity, responsibility for word and action, and respect for the principles of academic dialogue.
§7. Fidelity to Scientific Truth
In their research and teaching activities, doctoral students are guided solely by substantive criteria, remaining independent of ideological, political, financial, or corporate pressures.
§8. Equality and Diversity
Doctoral students foster a culture of openness and social inclusion. They are obliged to counteract all forms of exclusion, prejudice, and discrimination—both overt and systemic—based on skin color, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, worldview, physical or mental ability, or other individual characteristics.
§9. Tolerance and Scientific Pluralism
Doctoral students openly confront their own beliefs with those of others, respecting the diversity of methodologies, research perspectives, and the achievements of different intellectual traditions.
§10. Responsibility in Action
Doctoral students display moral and legal responsibility for the views they express, interpretations of their research, and their conduct as members of the University community, employees, researchers, teachers, or public figures. This includes actions and attitudes displayed outside academia, including in social media spaces.
§11. Duty to Respond
Doctoral students are obliged to firmly oppose dishonesty, unfairness, intolerance, injustice, and other manifestations of unethical behavior by students, doctoral candidates, and University staff alike.
Chapter III
Conduct of Doctoral School Participants
§12. Development of Competencies
Doctoral students actively and systematically strive to deepen their knowledge, develop research skills, critical thinking, and soft skills, assuming full responsibility for their own academic path.
§13. Transparency of Scientific Progress
Doctoral students report honestly on the progress of their individual research plans, respecting the standards of scientific evaluation and transparency in their relations with supervisors, the Mid-term Evaluation Committee, and other persons involved in the assessment process.
§14. Academic Integrity
Any form of falsification, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, data manipulation, ghostwriting, or unauthorized attribution of authorship is strictly prohibited and constitutes a serious violation of academic ethics.
Chapter IV
Conduct of Doctoral Students in the Research Role
§15. The Common Good of Science
Doctoral students carry out their scientific mission in the spirit of the common good, contributing to the advancement of knowledge, solving social problems, and improving the quality of public life.
§16. Responsibility for Research Outcomes
All research activities must be conducted responsibly, taking into account their potential social, environmental, and ethical impacts.
§17. Recognition of Others’ Contributions
Doctoral students strictly observe copyright and the principles of proper citation. Co-authorship must reflect actual substantive contribution, in accordance with international standards (e.g., COPE, ICMJE).
Chapter V
Conduct of Doctoral Students in Teaching and Mentoring Roles
§18. Teaching as a Mission
Doctoral students actively engaged in teaching carry out this mission with respect for learners’ autonomy, equality in access to knowledge, and the principles of educational dialogue based on partnership.
§19. Support for Development
Doctoral students in teaching roles are obliged to support the scientific, professional, and personal development of students, respecting their individual needs and diversity. They should also be prepared to provide constructive feedback within the scope of their competences.
§20. Ethical Teaching
In their relations with students, doctoral candidates maintain professionalism, avoiding conflicts of interest and behaviors that may be perceived as discriminatory, paternalistic, or abusive of the teacher’s position.
§21. Teaching Materials
Doctoral students are obliged to create and use teaching materials responsibly, ensuring their dissemination respects copyright and academic integrity. When using modern technologies in teaching, they must protect personal data and the privacy of students.
Chapter VI
Conduct of Doctoral Students in Building the Academic Community
§22. The University as a Community of Values
Doctoral students care for the good name of the University, actively participate in the life of the academic community, and support initiatives aimed at its democratization, inclusiveness, and transparency.
§23. Self-governance and Shared Responsibility
Doctoral students engage in the activities of the doctoral student council, collegial bodies, and initiatives promoting the development of the academic environment.
§24. Protection of Public Resources
The resources of the University are treated by Doctoral School participants as a common good, requiring rational, ethical, and transparent management.
Chapter VII
Final Provisions
§25. Supplementary Principles
In matters not regulated by this Code, the following shall apply:
– the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science,
– the Code of Ethics for a Researcher of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
– codes of international organizations: ALLEA, UNESCO, COPE.
§26. Updates and Validity
The Code is subject to periodic review and is a living document. It is co-created by the doctoral student community of the University in the spirit of self-reflection and collective responsibility.
The Doctoral Student Code of Ethics of the University of National Education Commission in Kraków was updated and unanimously adopted during the 2024/2025 term.