Research ethics

We want to be recognised for our high quality science and for the impact we can make on serious disease – and be trusted for the way in which we do that, particularly as we expand our research capabilities in emerging markets. This means setting and living up to high standards of ethical practice across all aspects of our research activity worldwide. It starts with our Code of Conduct, which requires that our research is conducted in accordance with all relevant external laws and regulations. Our Code also requires compliance with our Bioethics Policy, which describes our commitment beyond legal compliance and defines the ethical standards, principles and behaviours governing all our research and development activity worldwide.

Our commitment to high ethical standards of R&D applies not only to our R&D functions (globally and in our marketing companies), but also to supporting functions such as purchasing, business development and legal. They also apply to all third parties who carry out work on our behalf.

Our drive to find the next generation of high quality medicines must always be underpinned with sound ethical practice – the trust of our stakeholders and society depends on it.

Martin Mackay
President R&D

Governance and compliance

Our Science Policy and Practice Council is a cross-functional group of senior R&D leaders which provides leadership and direction on science policy matters to ensure that we continue to have clear accountabilities throughout the organisation.

The Board’s Science Committee provides assurance to the wider AstraZeneca Board regarding the quality and integrity of our science-based research and development activities. As needed, this Committee also reviews, together with other external experts, important bioethics issues that the company faces, and agrees appropriate policies on behalf of the Board.

Our R&D compliance organisations work to ensure that our R&D communities worldwide understand and comply with all relevant external legislation and regulatory requirements, and with our own internal policies. This includes communicating clear policies to employees and gaining commitment to improve compliance behaviours through effective training and support.