To practice scientific integrity, researchers have to understand

• the values of their profession,
• the factors supporting their integrity,
• the influences upon their own behaviour.

The purpose of modern science is to expand our understanding of the world and to raise the quality of our lives. Modern science expects the researcher to work objectively, truthfully and indepentently in an atmosphere of strictest intellectual honesty.

Yet both researchers and their environment can disobey the requirements of modern science. Just as everyone else, researchers can be affected by insufficient education, lack of reasoning or personal weakness. External pressure, the wish for more financial compensation and external evaluation can also lead to inadequate behaviour.

For fostering good scientific practice, we prefer the integrity approach: we assume that strengthening accountability and responsibility is more efficient than obeying rules.