These guidelines are intended to ensure that all research conducted under the RTP upholds the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical responsibility. Trainees are expected to demonstrate respect for human dignity, academic honesty, and the responsible use of information and resources throughout their work.

2. Ethical Principles in Research

All RTP participants must adhere to the following foundational principles:

a. Respect for Persons

• Protect the autonomy, privacy, and dignity of individuals involved in or affected by the research.
• Ensure informed consent is obtained where necessary.

b. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Aim to maximize the benefits of research while minimizing harm to participants, communities, or environments.

c. Justice

• Ensure fairness in participant selection and data representation.
• Avoid exploitation or marginalization in research design and dissemination

3. Academic Integrity

Trainees are expected to:

• Submit original work free from plagiarism.
• Properly cite all sources using accepted referencing standards.
• Avoid data fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation.
• Clearly differentiate between personal insights, literature, and quoted content.

4. Data Ethics

• Maintain accuracy and transparency in data collection and analysis.
• Ensure data is collected with consent and confidentiality, where applicable.
• Store data securely and only use it for its intended research purpose.

5. Institutional and Legal Compliance

• Research involving human participants must adhere to institutional ethical review processes
  (e.g., IRB or similar bodies).
• Trainees must comply with local laws, university regulations, and publication ethics when applicable.

6. Professional Conduct

Participants must:

• Engage in respectful dialogue during sessions and presentations.
• Accept feedback constructively and foster a collaborative learning environment.
• Maintain transparency and honesty in all communications with facilitators and peers.

7. Consequences of Misconduct

Violations of these guidelines—such as plagiarism, data manipulation, or unethical treatment of sources—may result in:

• Academic penalties (e.g., project rejection, failure of course)
• Disqualification from certification
• Referral to institutional disciplinary processes (if applicable)

8. Acknowledgmet of Ethics Compliance

• Before submitting final projects or critiques, trainees will be required to complete an Ethical
• Compliance Declaration Form, affirming that their work:
• Is entirely original
• Meets all ethical standards outlined above
• Has not been submitted elsewhere in full or part