Riyadh, January 3, 2025 – The Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) has officially invited researchers, research institutions, and funding agencies to participate in a public consultation on the National Policy on Scientific Integrity and Research Ethics. This initiative, which marks a significant step towards enhancing the research and innovation landscape in Saudi Arabia, underscores RDIA's commitment to building a robust and collaborative environment among all stakeholders in the national research ecosystem. The consultation is a crucial part of the Kingdom's efforts to foster innovation and scientific advancement in alignment with the broader goals of national development.
The National Policy on Scientific Integrity and Research Ethics, as outlined by RDIA, aims to establish a comprehensive and cohesive framework that will uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity across all research activities in Saudi Arabia. The policy is designed to ensure ethical conduct in research, promote transparency, and strengthen public and institutional trust in the results and findings of national scientific endeavors. One of the key objectives of the policy is to provide clear guidelines for research practices, including the preparation and submission of research proposals, as well as addressing the potential risks related to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Another important aspect of the policy focuses on the governance of scientific integrity at the national level, regulating the ethical conduct of researchers and ensuring proper management of conflicts of interest, particularly in international collaborations. As scientific research continues to become more collaborative and global, managing such conflicts is essential to maintaining credibility and ensuring fairness in research partnerships. The RDIA has emphasized that the policy will also provide provisions to safeguard the research process against ethical lapses, encouraging the responsible use of new technologies and methodologies.
The public consultation is a vital step in the policy development process, as it offers an opportunity for all stakeholders, including researchers, academic institutions, and funding bodies, to engage with the draft policy and provide their feedback. RDIA is seeking valuable insights to refine and improve the policy, with an emphasis on identifying any challenges faced by the stakeholders in their research practices and exploring opportunities for enhancing the national research ecosystem. The consultation will help ensure that the final policy reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of those involved in scientific research and innovation, fostering a more inclusive and effective framework for future scientific endeavors.
RDIA has expressed its sincere appreciation for the participation and constructive feedback of all partners within the research, development, and innovation sectors. The authority recognizes that such collaboration is essential for achieving the Kingdom’s vision for research and innovation, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in scientific discovery and technological advancements.
The consultation is open to all relevant parties and can be accessed through the following link: [https://istitlaa.ncc.gov.sa/en/Education/rdia/NationalPolicyForScientificIntegrity/Pages/default.aspx](https://istitlaa.ncc.gov.sa/en/Education/rdia/NationalPolicyForScientificIntegrity/Pages/default.aspx). This platform allows stakeholders to engage with the policy's provisions and contribute their insights before the policy is finalized.