Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct

First adopted by the Executive Board of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities on May 15, 2018. The most recent revised version was adopted on October 18, 2021.

As a statutory body under public law and the scientific academy of the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities bears a special responsibility toward society. Therefore, the Academy has adopted this policy, which establishes fundamental principles of conduct intended to guide the actions of employees and their supervisors. The Academy is committed to these guidelines.

This policy outlines the basic requirements for the activities and conduct of the Academy’s employees and their supervisors. It highlights key areas that are of particular importance in practice. The policy is intended to encourage each and every individual to act with personal responsibility. The specific provisions of the policy at the Academy are explained in supplementary documents, to which reference is made as appropriate.

a) Integrity in Business Dealings
The Academy adheres to the Code of Conduct of the Federal Government and the State of Baden-Württemberg on the Prevention of Corruption (published by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts). As a general rule, confidentiality must be maintained regarding the Academy’s internal affairs when dealing with third parties.

b) Transparent and Proper Procedures
Decision-making processes involving individuals are governed by regulations that enable appropriate decisions and protect the persons involved. Business processes must be documented appropriately and transparently. The correct and complete recording of information relevant to accounting is ensured by an adequate control system. Relevant laws, ordinances, and regulations are observed (management principles, procurement principles, the principles of efficiency and economy, etc.).

c) Separation of Professional and Personal Interests
Personal interests are strictly separated from those of the Academy. In personnel decisions, examinations, or business relationships with third parties, only objective criteria are taken into account.

d) Compliance with Standards of Good Scientific Practice
Within the scope of its authority, the Academy ensures that its employees and their supervisors adhere to the principles of good scientific practice. Further details are set forth in the “Guidelines for Ensuring Good Scientific Practice at the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities,” which were approved by the Academy’s plenary session. The DFG has taken note of these guidelines with approval.

e) Staff Council
In cases of inappropriate conduct, the Staff Council is involved in consultation and decision-making processes in accordance with the relevant laws, ordinances, and regulations.

f) Protection of Intellectual Property
Scientific inventions and other intellectual property may not be used or disclosed to third parties without authorization from the rights holder. The intellectual property rights of third parties must be respected.

g) Social Responsibility
The Academy promotes equal opportunity, diversity, and work-life balance.

h) Fair Conduct in the Workplace
Employees and their supervisors treat both one another and guests with respect and objectivity.

i) Continuous Improvement
The Academy constructively addresses new requirements. In the interest of maintaining high quality standards, complaints and suggestions for improvement are reviewed and addressed promptly and fairly.