Honesty Clause

Honesty Clause for Members and Contributors

 

As members and contributors to the Institute for Hidden Species Expeditions (IHSE), we commit to upholding the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency in all aspects of our work. This commitment is essential to foster trust, credibility, and respect within our community, as well as with the broader scientific and public communities.

1. Truthfulness in Reporting
   All members and contributors are expected to provide accurate, thorough, and verifiable data when reporting field observations, findings, and conclusions. Falsifying or manipulating data, images, or documentation of hidden species or cryptids is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, including possible revocation of membership.

2. Attribution and Acknowledgment
   Credit must be appropriately attributed for all contributions, including research, observations, and cultural insights gathered from local communities. Proper acknowledgment of others’ work upholds academic and field integrity, ensuring that each contribution is respected and recognized.

3. Ethics in Fieldwork
   All IHSE participants must conduct fieldwork with respect for the environment, local communities, and cultural traditions. Ethical guidelines must be followed rigorously, ensuring that no harm comes to the habitats, creatures, or peoples involved in our research.

4. Transparency in Findings
   Members and contributors are required to disclose uncertainties, limitations, and any potential biases in their findings. This transparency allows the IHSE community and external collaborators to engage with our work in a genuinely informed and constructive manner.

 

By agreeing to this Honesty Clause, all members and contributors affirm their commitment to these principles, which are essential to the mission and integrity of the Institute for Hidden Species Expeditions.

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Penalties for Falsification at the Institute for Hidden Species Expeditions

Falsification of research, data, or findings is a serious breach of trust and integrity at the Institute for Hidden Species Expeditions (IHSE). Such actions not only damage the credibility of the individual but also undermine the Institute’s mission and the broader scientific and cryptozoological communities. The following penalties are in place for any instance of falsification:

1. Formal Warning and Documentation
   Upon initial discovery of minor falsification or misrepresentation, the member or contributor will receive a formal written warning. This warning will be documented in their IHSE record. The individual will be required to rectify or clarify the erroneous information within a specified timeframe and may be restricted from certain research activities during this period.

2. Suspension of Membership and Access
   For repeated or severe falsification, the member or contributor will face a suspension of their IHSE membership and access to all Institute facilities, resources, and expeditions for a period of six months to one year. Reinstatement requires a formal review process, during which the individual must demonstrate a renewed commitment to IHSE’s standards of integrity.

3. Revocation of Membership and Public Disclosure
   In cases of egregious falsification—such as the fabrication of entire findings, repeated instances of data manipulation, or unethical alteration of images—the individual’s IHSE membership will be permanently revoked. Their name and the circumstances surrounding the falsification will be publicly disclosed to maintain transparency and uphold the Institute’s reputation. This step may include notifying affiliated academic and professional bodies.

4. Legal and Financial Repercussions
   Where falsification leads to reputational damage, wasted resources, or financial loss, IHSE reserves the right to pursue legal action or request financial restitution from the individual. This measure applies especially if external partnerships or grant funding were compromised by the falsification.

5. Lifetime Ban from Future Research and Collaboration
   Any member found guilty of severe or repeated falsification will be banned from participating in future IHSE projects, expeditions, or collaborations. They will also be ineligible for references or recommendations from IHSE staff, researchers, or associates.

By implementing these penalties, the Institute for Hidden Species Expeditions underscores its unwavering commitment to honesty, scientific rigor, and ethical integrity in all research activities.