Delft University of Technology
Code of Ethics
1. Introduction
Technical Universities of the 21st century have a great impact upon society.
They are sources of fundamental and applied science, centres of knowledge
dissemination and information transfer, education, personal development, and
catalysts of innovation and economic growth.
The Technical Universities of the 21st century are global communities which
maintain a great number of international relations with many organizations and
individuals worldwide. They are dynamic hubs in a multifarious field of
corporations, governments and individuals serving in scientific, advisory and
commercial roles.
Universities are traditionally seen as communities which self-impose high
standards of intellectual and moral performance, being the prime sources of
knowledge and systematic reflection in society. Universities have through the
centuries formulated and endorsed stringent norms for the pursuit of knowledge
for its own sake and the production and dissemination of the best available
knowledge to society. They have engaged in the training of professionals and
inquiring minds who will apply their skill and knowledge in important places in
society.
Society rightfully expects the university therefore to be a place of moral
aspirations, social ideals, the unfettered pursuit of knowledge, and dedication to
scientific truth and impartiality. Society also expects that universities engage in
a process of constant critical reflection on their contributions to society, their
own missions and responsibilities in light of new problems and challenges
confronting us all.
Delft University of Technology emphatically strives to be a technical university
of the 21st century without giving up on the traditional moral ideal of the
University. It strives to be articulate and explicit with respect to its ideals, values,
principles and responsibilities and the means it utilizes to implement its vision in
day to day practices, procedures, and operations.
Engineers and applied scientists inevitably act both in and on the world,
affecting the lives of many. Delft University of Technology acknowledges
therefore that its employees have duties to conduct themselves accordingly,
with due respect for the consequences of their research and actions. These
duties apply equally – although in different forms – to all who form part of its
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academic community, staff, support, administration, since they are all
essentially involved in the same endeavour.
This code of ethics formulates the aspirations, responsibilities and rights that
ought to guide all those working within the Delft University of Technology
community, in various roles, be it as scientists, support staff, and students. The
aim of this code of ethics is to state our aspirations unambiguously, so that
those who are part of the community may find inspiration and guidance, so that
those who collaborate with employees of Delft University of Technology and
those who are about to join its workforce may better understand its aims and
goals and the moral constraints involved in working towards achieving them.
2. Mission Statement and Core Values
2.1 The mission statement
According to its mission statement Delft University of Technology
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strives to provide research and education of the highest possible quality
is internationally oriented
is socially responsible
strives to act ethically and is committed to act with integrity and with
respect for the environment
wants to be a progressive and open minded organisation
2.2 Core values
Universities have thrived where intellectual and academic freedom, integrity,
respect, the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake and scientific expertise
combine to produce and disseminate new knowledge to the world at large.
According to the Mission Statement of Delft University of Technology
Expertise, Involvement, Integrity, and Respect are core values that ought to
direct the behaviour of its employees and students.
The modus operandi at Delft University of Technology is one of trust.
Trust implies that all members of our community will act on and be motivated by
the core values and will feel responsible and accountable for doing so. An
environment where people trust and feel trusted greatly contributes to their
flourishing both as human beings and as professionals.
Delft University of Technology puts in place a coherent moral
infrastructure of checks and balances, oversight and reporting instruments. It
also establishes and maintains a website which provides a clear overview of its
moral infrastructure, i.e. its values, principles, codes, moral policies and the
institutional mechanisms which aim to implement them.
2.2.1 Integrity
A person of moral integrity has achieved an independent, sincere and critical
moral perspective, after inquiry and exposure to moral experience, on the basis
of which he or she seeks to evaluate moral problems, questions and
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developments. Integrity may require of individuals that the interests of society,
the university and others override their individual or private interests. Integrity
encourages fair and equal treatment of persons as human beings and implies a
constant preparedness to account for one’s actions and construe requests for
explanation of actions and omissions not as opportunities to self-justify, but as
opportunities to come to a better understanding of each other. Integrity is not to
be taken for granted, and managers are primarily responsible to see to it that
people act with integrity as characterized above.
Integrity is primarily a personal trait and it requires honest and open
dealing, as well as measured respect for privacy and confidential information,
as long as it helps to fulfil the general aims of science and pedagogy. Directors,
managers, employees and students fulfil their commitments adequately,
meticulously, and reliably, taking into account relevant values, the interests and
needs of others.
2.2.2 Respect
Employees of Delft University of Technology respect each other. Respect
implies that persons are never treated as mere means to the attainment of
personal or organizational goals. It also implies that employees will not demean,
humiliate or manipulate others, but will increase the opportunities to show
kindness, sympathy and understanding. They respect the freedom of others and
will not intentionally harm others. Employees will not insult, discriminate against
or sexually intimidate others.
2.2.3 Expertise
In order to provide excellent education and research, which allows Delft
University of Technology to be among the top universities in the World, many
demands are made on its employees. The combination of expertise, excellent
personal skills and professionalism makes it possible for Delft University of
Technology to achieve its goals of excellence in research, development, and
teaching. The university asks of any of its scientific staff the utmost effort to be
well informed, to be in the forefront of knowledge production and cutting edge
research, and to develop and maintain professionalism.
2.2.4 Involvement
Delft University of Technology is committed to contributing to the quality of
society, particularly with respect to sustainability, safety, and security. The
commitment of personnel and students is also expressed in how we relate to
each other. Students as well as employees are responsible for achieving the
goals of the university. They also will show active interest in university policies;
an interest which expresses itself by participation in employee and student
representation organisations, work councils, and other committees, and by
attendance of university gatherings. We inspire each other and are prepared to
constructively criticise and be criticized, thus improving the quality of work and
studies.
An important aspect of involvement is formed by our systematic attempts
to contribute to the resolution, analysis and clarification of problems in society
which either arise out of the application of science and technology or which
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could be solved by the results of applied science and technology. Delft
University of Technology expects and encourages its scientists and scientific
staff to reflect upon these problems in society – whether they are related to
environment, energy, health, or public utilities and public infrastructures - and to
think about possible research-based contributions to their solution.
People who work or study at TU Delft:
 Perform adequately, meticulously, reliably and with integrity
 Have respect for others
 Contribute to an inspiring work and study environment by utilizing their
expertise
3. Parties
3.1 The University
Delft University of Technology is responsible for the conditions under which staff
and students work and bear responsibilities. In order to fulfil that responsibility,
the university must be proactive and aware of the fact that the policies and
incentive structures it puts in place are essential to stimulate desired behaviour.
The following values are among the most prominent ones the university is
committed to. These are values that have guided universities in the past to
become the preeminent bastions of free inquiry for hundreds of years.
3.1.1 Personal development
The university is both a research environment and a learning organisation.
Every person working or studying with TU Delft is offered the opportunity to
keep up to date in a dynamic environment by means of training and personal
development. The university respects the autonomy and privacy of employees
and students as it believes that these are resources for self-reflection, selfassessment and personal growth.
3.1.2 Cooperation
In order to achieve collective goals and synergy between parts of the
organisation, the university encourages cooperation among its employees and
between employees and students. Knowledge increases in an atmosphere of
openness and cooperative inquiry. Modern Science, Technology and
Engineering are in important respects social and collective endeavours where
trust, collaboration and sharing of knowledge and information are essential to
achieving excellence.
3.1.3 Being a good employer
The university is a sustainable working community. Employees are challenged
to develop themselves, to professionalise and to improve their competencies.
Results & Development interviews (appraisals) are the tool to provide a fair
insight in their performance and prospects. Employees get rewarded fairly by
ways of payment and professional attention to their work. The board of the
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university is committed to providing equal opportunities for job advancements,
and where no equality is realised yet, for instance in case of representation of
women in scientific functions, affirmative action will be taken.
3.1.4 Information and participation
The university provides employees and students with clear information and
opportunities to stand up and be heard. It informs them in a timely manner so
that they can fulfil their responsibilities and achieve their legitimate goals.
3.1.5 Facilities
The university is responsible for providing suitable workplaces and study
environments. Sustainable solutions are the preferred option.
The university provides for her students and employees:
 Equal opportunities for personal development and cooperation
 Fairness in rewards and appreciation
 Involvement and right of speech in decision making
 A safe and healthy work and study environment
3.2 Employees
The four core values of integrity, respect, expertise and involvement ought to be
the guide for the functioning of the internal organisation and the arrangement of
procedures and processes:
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Research and Education are inseparable and interrelated;
The University, its employees and students share common interests in
discovering and disseminating knowledge, personal development of
everyone, and mutual respect.
We see the concerns of other people and anticipate those concerns
We actively inform people; we involve and help where necessary
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We aim for high quality and try to improve at all times
We are enterprising and we stimulate entrepreneurship
We are proactive, we are open to critique and willing to criticise when
necessary
These values are an important contribution to an inspiring and innovating
university.
3.2.1 Scientific and administrative staff
Scientific and administrative staff appreciate each others work. They treat each
other fairly and with respect, and make an effort to communicate clearly and
openly. They are willing to help each other and strive for a healthy team spirit.
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3.2.2 Directors and managers
Directors and managers are an example to all when it comes to their conduct.
They set clear goals, they encourage employees to perform well, they create an
environment for inspiring cooperation in teams and admonish employees who
conduct themselves in impermissible ways. Directors and managers welcome
critique and suggestions from employees.
3.2.3 Researchers
Researchers apply the four core values in their research as well as in their
interaction with their colleagues. They strive to present excellent and innovative
contributions to their field and bring those to the attention of peers and to a
larger public. They are aware of dilemmas and societal dimensions of work in
their field and take care to execute their research meticulously. They strive to
avoid potential conflicts of interest, and bring such conflicts to the attention of
the university when noticed.
Academic freedom is guaranteed within the legal framework, strategies,
research programs, and curriculum. Integrity and open inquiry are essential for
the reputation of science, and the researcher will act accordingly.
Delft University of Technology researchers are familiar with the Scientific Code
of Conduct, other professional codes that may apply to their discipline or field of
research and the moral infrastructure of Delft University of Technology more
generally as it has been publicized and made known on the website and in
relevant publications. The principles that are outlined therein may be interpreted
as general guidelines as to what exemplary practice of science entails, and how
scientific proceedings must be transparent.
3.2.4 Teaching staff
Professional educators strive for the good quality of course content as well as
good didactic skills. Students attach great importance to the quality of the
teaching and the enthusiasm of the teacher. In response, teachers strive to
improve themselves. Teachers treat students respectfully. They clearly state
what is expected of students, and they admonish students when their behaviour
is undesired.
Teachers will make sure that assignments and exams are in line with the
objectives of the course and that they are graded conscientiously. They prevent
free riding by students as much as possible. They stick to their lecture
schedules, keep their appointments, welcome constructive critique and are
accessible to students personally and via e-mail at reasonable times.
3.2.5 Administrative staff
All of these values apply to employees who work in supporting offices at Delft
University of Technology. Individual development and personal motivation is
coupled with a constant alertness for opportunities to improve, for promoting of
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efficiency and for a result oriented approach. This focus on the core mission is
characterised by customer satisfaction, service-orientation, and helpfulness.
3.2.6 Company resources
We are careful in using, keeping and maintaining university resources, such as
budgets, computers, networks etc. The same applies to confidential information.
3.2.7 Secondary employment
Employees who take on other paid jobs and remunerations ensure that those
are not at the expense of or in conflict with their main tasks, and that they do not
compromise their impartiality and independence. Secondary employment may
not adversely affect the scientific or business interests of the university.
Ancillary work performed during contract hours or of which it is suspected that
they are of conflicting interests are subject to permission from the dean of the
faculty or director.
3.2.8 Whistleblowing
There are accepted and established procedures for ensuring that serious
violations of ethics are properly handled. These are part of the publicized moral
infrastructure of Delft University of Technology. These procedures are not at
variance with the principle and practice of mutual trust, but are put in place to
address injustices and violations of law and codes of ethics and codes of
conduct that may otherwise go undetected. These mechanisms are meant to
protect both the person alleged to have violated ethics, and the person who
seeks some official response. These mechanisms must be treated with respect,
just as colleagues must be treated with respect, and the autonomy and integrity
of the grievance process requires that those suspected of wrongdoing be
regarded first as innocent, and the grievance and inquiry procedure kept
confidential, until a formal response occurs. Everyone is encouraged to abide
by the formal process, and develop and ongoing commitment to ethics both in
its informal, day-to-day application, and through formal inquiry and adjudication
procedures.
Employees
 Behave fairly and respectfully towards each other and students
 Are enthusiastic about their contribution to the professionalism of our
research and education and the supporting processes
 Show active interest in the policies of TU Delft
 Treat university resources with care
3.3 Students
Those who study at Delft University of Technology prepare for a career and a
responsible position in society. This requires intellectual curiosity, active
participation in courses and sidelines, and an optimal effort to obtain good
results in their studies.
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3.3.1 Autonomy
Students choose their own path in the available curricula, and make sure they
know what is expected of them. Students learn to work independently, to solve
problems, and to be meticulous in gathering of information. Students at all
levels are familiar with the publicized policies on plagiarism and cheating at the
university. They consciously prepare for exams. With group assignments they
are cooperative and share the work equally. When students become aware of
free riders, they will admonish them. PhD students are offered a short
introduction to Delft University of Technology standards of scientific integrity
and are expected to apply these in their work.
3.3.2 Active participation
Students actively participate in lectures. By asking analytical questions and
having well argued discussions, they stimulate each other and their teachers.
This requires a thorough preparation of lectures. Students take an active
interest in society and social welfare organisations.
3.3.3 Pro-social attitude
Respect is paramount in communication between students and employees. This
is expressed in style, tone and form in e-mails and direct contacts. Students
are willing to help each other without risking unfair assessment of others. They
refrain from behaving in such a way that it hampers fellow students or impedes
on the quality of the course. They respect each other's property and refrain from
verbal and physical violence, discrimination, and harassment.
3.3.4 Educational resources
Students treat university resources, such as computers, the library, lecture halls
etc., with care.
Students…
 behave fairly and respectfully to each other and to employees
 get the best out of themselves by actively participating in their education
and secondary activities
 will respect each others and university property and resources and will
enable teachers to teach under optimal circumstances.
4. Other codes of conduct
In addition to this code, TU Delft is bound to a number of other specific Codes
of Conduct that have been established by the VSNU. This ethical code is
complementary to those.
The codes of conduct that apply are:
 Code of good governance (January 2007)
 International students in Dutch higher education (February 26, 2006)
 Use of personal data in scientific research (December 2005)
 Scientific practice (January 1, 2005)
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Intimidation (either sexual or not), aggression and discrimination, ex
article 2, collective labour agreement of Dutch universities (January
2000)
Furthermore, codes exist in various fields of science, like biotechnology, to
which the employees of Delft University of Technology are bound.
This code of conduct should be interpreted as the standard of behaviour for the
members of the Delft University of Technology community.
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