Table of Contents

• Considering & Decision (Senate)
• Chapter A — Purpose – Scope of Application
• Chapter B — Fundamental Principles and Rules of Ethics on Academic and Administrative Matters
• Chapter C — Rules of Ethics on Research Matters
• Chapter D — Ethics Committee: Drafting/Revision, Compliance & Investigation Procedures

Considering

THE SENATE OF THE ATHENS UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

Considering:

• Point (a), paragraph 2, article 217 of Law 4957/2022 “New Horizons in Higher Education Institutions: Enhancing quality, functionality, and the connection of HEIs with society and other provisions” (Government Gazette A’ 141),
• Point (th), paragraph 2, article 5 of Law 3469/2006 “National Printing Office, Government Gazette and other provisions” (Government Gazette A’ 131),
• Article 90 of the Code of Legislation for the Government and Government Bodies (Presidential Decree 63/2005, A’ 96), as maintained in force by paragraph 22 of article 119 of Law 4622/2019 (A’ 133),
• Paragraph A3 of the circular no. 119929/Z1/30-09-2022 of the General Secretary for Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, titled “Clarifications regarding the implementation of the provisions of Law 4957/2022...”
• Rector’s Act no. 4503/01.09.2022 regarding the reconstitution of the Senate of AUEB as of 01.09.2022,
• The decision of the Rector’s Council (1st Meeting/08.09.2022/5) regarding the formation of the Ethics Committee of AUEB,
• The recommendation no. Official Note 766/02.12.2022 by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Personnel, accompanied by the “Code of Ethics and Good Practice,”
• The fact that the implementation of this decision does not incur any expense to the state budget or the budget of AUEB,

Decides: To approve the “Code of Ethics and Good Practice” of the Athens University of Economics and Business, which is as follows:

CHAPTER A — PURPOSE – SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Article 1 — Purpose

The purpose of this Code is to establish a framework of principles and rules of ethics and good practices in relation to the academic, administrative, and research functions of the Institution.

Article 2 — Scope of Application

This Code applies to all members of the academic community of the Institution, to its students — undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral — as well as to any other individual associated with the application of this Code in accordance with the applicable legislation, decisions, and procedures of the Institution (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Members of the Institution” or “Members”).

The academic community includes all members of the teaching and/or research staff of the Institution, as defined in Article 5 of this Code, as well as administrative personnel, contract staff, and, in general, all individuals collaborating with the Institution (e.g., external associates), depending on the tasks assigned to them at any given time.

Members of the Institution shall comply with the present ethical rules of the Institution in the performance of their duties, without prejudice to any additional obligations arising from adherence to professional codes of conduct applicable to specific professional sectors. This obligation applies regardless of whether the relevant work is carried out on the premises of the Institution or elsewhere.

CHAPTER B — FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF ETHICS IN ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Article 3 — Ethics in Relation to the Members of the Institution

This Code is founded on the principles of academic freedom in science, research, and teaching, as defined by applicable legislation. Additional core principles include the physical and intellectual integrity of the individual, human dignity, the principle of equality, respect for nature and the environment, intellectual property rights, and the protection of personal data.

Specifically, this Code, as developed in accordance with Article 10 hereof, is guided by the principles and rules set out in Law 4957/2022.

In the performance of their duties, Members must avoid any discrimination; behave with due respect; avoid harassment or exploitation of their position; comply with rules and act with cooperation, solidarity, and trust; distinguish personal beliefs from professional duties; and refrain from acts contrary to law or that damage the Institution’s reputation.

Article 4 — Ethics in Relation to Governance and the Administrative Bodies of the Institution

Members acknowledge and comply with governance rules; act with diligence and responsibility in collective/individual bodies; promote collegiality, solidarity, and cooperation; and consistently participate as required by law.

Article 5 — Special Ethical Rules Regarding the Teaching and/or Research Staff

• Perform duties with diligence, integrity, responsibility; teach in person unless exceptionally approved otherwise.
• Foster collaboration and solidarity; act objectively and impartially; apply equal treatment.
• Evaluate and grade students impartially and transparently; treat students with respect; never coerce them into irrelevant tasks.
• Safeguard confidentiality and privacy of colleagues, students, and third parties.

Article 6 — Specific Code of Conduct Rules Regarding Students

• Comply with the Code and institutional rules; fulfill academic obligations diligently.
• Attend classes/labs; contribute to smooth operation; complete assignments; build cooperative relations.
• Respect instructors and members; follow guidance from competent bodies; uphold research ethics and IP (Article 9).
• Participate lawfully and fairly in examinations; avoid cheating/unauthorized materials.
• Use facilities and resources legally and responsibly; protect property; avoid illegal uses of premises.
• Refrain from acts incompatible with the academic mission or that hinder academic freedom and smooth functioning.
• Use IT resources only with authorization; participate in Student Council per law; act lawfully in student activities.

CHAPTER C — CODE OF ETHICS ON RESEARCH MATTERS

Article 7 — Scope of Application

The provisions of this Chapter apply to any research or development activity conducted under the responsibility or with the participation of the Institution’s scientific personnel, on or off campus, with or without funding. Definitions of research and development apply; activities through the Special Account for Research Funds and Lifelong Learning Center are covered; students’ theses and related research are included; this Chapter is subject to the Institution’s Research Ethics & Deontology Regulation under Law 4957/2022.

Article 8 — Ethical Rules in Research

• Respect academic freedom, scientific truth, life, nature, human dignity, IP, and personal data; avoid discrimination.
• Ensure permits; avoid conflicts of interest; respect special laws; protect personal data and IP.
• Disclose funding sources; avoid clauses that endanger freedom of research design/conclusions.
• Prohibit fabrication/falsification; comply with safety legislation.
• Inform participants adequately; collaborators follow PI’s rules; obligations a)–b) apply to all collaborators.
• In collaborative research, ensure adherence to principles; follow procedures of funding guides (ELKE/LLL Center).
• Design promotional materials responsibly; acknowledge sponsors without implying advertising or permanent association.
• Use administrative titles for external funding only with consent of the collective body; additional obligations may apply for certain professions.
• If the Research Ethics Committee identifies violations, it reports to the Rector for action.

Article 9 — Copyright & Publications

Reproduction, translation, adaptation, distortion, or imitation of third-party works without permission is prohibited, regardless of form; violations constitute disciplinary offenses (Law 4957/2022). Exceptions under Law 2121/1993 for teaching/exams apply under strict conditions with proper citation.

Indicative breaches include: failure to acknowledge intellectual contributions; copying; falsifying data; unauthorized data use; illegal appropriation of ideas; mismanagement of research data; failure to disclose conflicts of interest; breach of confidentiality; presenting old research as new; ghostwriting; false statements on legal relationships/interests; using others’ works without citation; plagiarism; reusing same work for multiple courses; misrepresenting co-authorship order. Contracted research outputs must respect contractual obligations; IP exploitation must consider restrictions; theses/dissertations belong to the respective students with originality requirements; proper institutional citations are mandatory in publications.

CHAPTER D — ETHICS COMMITTEE: DRAFTING/REVISION, COMPLIANCE & INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Article 10 — Procedure for Drafting and Enactment of the Code of Ethics

The Code is drafted by the Ethics Committee and enters into force upon Senate approval (per Law 4957/2022) and is incorporated into the Institution’s Internal Regulations.

Article 11 — Terms for Drafting and Revising the Code of Ethics

The Ethics Committee drafts proposals considering law, best practices, and the Institution’s framework; may propose revisions to the Rector (and inform the Senate), typically as an annex to the Committee’s Annual Report, or exceptionally outside the regular timeline with prior Rector notification.

Article 12 — Compliance Procedures

Competent services (e.g., HR, Secretariats) ensure all Members are informed and provide written confirmation; the Ethics Committee is kept informed; compliance is an independent obligation of each Member; the Committee examines alleged violations per Article 13; Members are encouraged to inform the Rector about suspected violations for investigation per Articles 13–16.

Article 13 — Examination of Alleged Violations

The Ethics Committee is not a disciplinary body and cannot impose sanctions. It examines alleged violations upon Rector’s directive, following written reports/complaints by Members, or on its own initiative when it has lawfully acquired knowledge (e.g., via competent services or sufficient written evidence by a Member). It may require a specific form for sufficient specificity and supporting evidence.

Article 14 — Procedure for Examination

In examining a case, the Committee considers: type of alleged violation and facts; available evidence; specificity of report; urgency; workload and pending cases; and available time. It may request additional information; without sufficient materials, the case is filed (reported in the Annual Report anonymously/aggregately). In urgent/serious cases, the Committee informs the Rector for guidance.

Article 15 — Investigation Report – Decision-Making Procedure

If a violation or sufficient indications are established, the Committee submits a report to the Rector for further action. It also prepares a report when no violation is found. Decisions are taken with quorum/presence or representation of Members; monthly meetings (in person or online); minutes/report signed by all Members can serve as decision; two‑thirds majority required; President’s vote prevails in tie; minority opinions recorded.

Article 16 — Confidentiality – Discretion – Secrecy

Members of the Committee must maintain confidentiality, discretion, and secrecy regarding submissions and data; the Committee may request necessary information or documents from competent services with notification to the Rector.

Article 17 — Entry into Force

This Code enters into force from the date of approval in accordance with Article 10 and is published in the Government Gazette.