Introduction
Due to the rapid developments and major challenges facing education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—and the intense competition among educational institutions at the local, regional, and international levels—Tabuk University has, since its establishment, been committed to providing high-quality educational and research services. These services are tailored to labor market needs, contribute to the national economy, actively support development efforts, and promote a knowledge-based economy.
In its research activities, the University of Tabuk adopts strategies, policies, and procedures that aim to elevate the quality and distinction of scientific research, while emphasizing a strong commitment to ethical responsibility in the production, acquisition, preservation, transmission, development, and application of knowledge.
The “Regulations for Scientific Research Ethics” document is based on the university’s strategic vision: “An institution of excellence in education and research that contributes to community service.” This vision necessitates the existence of such an important document, which was developed following a comprehensive review of global literature, regulations, standards, and best practices related to research ethics and their core principles.
It is worth noting that all the rules listed in this document are in full alignment with the principles and values promoted by Islam. The ultimate goal of this document—and other similar codes of research ethics adopted by universities and research institutions—is to prevent ethical violations in research conduct, rather than simply serve as a list of punishments for offenders. Its greater purpose is to protect the integrity of the scientific research system from any unethical behavior that could damage the university's academic reputation—damage that could be difficult to overcome in the short term.
This highlights the importance of the “Scientific Research Ethics Regulations” document in raising awareness among all individuals involved in research about these ethical standards. Many instances of research misconduct are often the result of a lack of awareness or understanding of research ethics among some researchers, students, administrators, or even funding agencies. Research ethics literature clearly emphasizes that ethical behavior in research primarily stems from internal moral values and noble human principles such as honesty, integrity, and sincerity—not merely from formal rules and regulations. Therefore, leading global universities and research institutions rely heavily on the self-discipline and ethical commitment of everyone involved in the research process.
Additionally, the literature highlights the difficulty of detecting certain unethical behaviors in research from outside the research group or institution—especially in research outputs that are not subject to rigorous peer review, such as research conducted solely for promotion purposes. For this reason, prestigious universities strongly encourage their members to immediately report any ethical violations they observe within research groups or by individual members.
Finally, it is essential to emphasize that preserving the integrity and nobility of scientific research—in terms of producing knowledge, serving humanity, and building a knowledge-based society—can only be achieved if everyone in the research ecosystem (including researchers, students, technicians, and administrative staff) adheres to practices that are evaluated and monitored in a fair and transparent manner, and if they are confident they will not be penalized for upholding academic integrity.
This document, “Regulations for Scientific Research Ethics,” was created to elevate the standards of scientific research at the university and ensure its alignment with international benchmarks and best ethical practices. It provides a general framework of rules, behaviors, and procedures expected to be followed by anyone working with or affiliated with the university in the field of scientific research.
