National Academy of Medicine Code of Conduct and Recent Actions

[Adopted December 11, 2018]

Founded in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is one of three academies that make up the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) in the United States. Operating under the 1863 Congressional charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the NAM is an independent, nonprofit institution that works outside of government to provide objective advice “to improve health for all by advancing science, accelerating health equity, and providing independent, authoritative, and trusted advice nationally and globally.” The credibility of the advice from the NAM rests on its reputation and integrity, which depends on the reputation and integrity of its members.  Membership in the NAM is a privilege predicated on members’ adherence to ethical standards and professional behavior. NAM members, by accepting membership in the Academy, agree to abide by the NAM’s Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct for NAM Members

1. Characterized by their personal integrity and professional excellence, NAM members are expected to be active participants in advancing the NAM’s mission and to actively uphold the reputation of the NAM.
2. NAM members are expected to conduct themselves lawfully; to support academic freedoms; to comply with public and institutional rules regulating their professional practice; and to be committed to the responsible conduct, review, presentation, and publication of research.
3. NAM members shall refrain from all forms of prejudicial treatment [i], harassment [ii], and bullying [iii] in their professional encounters. [iv]
4. NAM members shall not commit misconduct in science—including fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism. Unintended scientific error or incorrect interpretation of research data does not constitute scientific misconduct. NAM members should promptly move to correct the literature when errors are detected in their own scientific work.
5. NAM members are expected to disclose all relevant relationships, financial or otherwise, that are required for their professional obligations or for participation in specific NAM or Academies’ activities.
6. Members may take positions in their personal capacity and use their NAM affiliation, as long as it is clear that in doing so they are not representing the NAM. NAM members shall not represent any position as being that of the NAM or the Academies unless the position has been published as a finding or a recommendation in an NASEM consensus report or with approval of the NAM Council.
7. Alleged violations of this code will be evaluated and appropriate responses taken pursuant to applicable NAM Policy and Procedures.

Alleged violations of the NAM Code of Conduct are considered under the Conduct Review Process.

Conduct Review Outcomes

• Peter Daszak, No evidence of Code of Conduct Violation, October 18, 2022.
• Eric K. Noji, Code of Conduct Violation, membership rescinded October 19, 2020.

[i] This includes prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups of people based on their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. [ii] Harassment includes verbal or physical conduct directed at an individual or group of people because of their race, ancestry, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. [iii] Bullying is unwelcome, aggressive behavior involving the use of influence, threat, intimidation, or coercion to dominate others in the professional environment. [iv] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,” National Academies Press, 2018.