Code of Ethics

The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) has adopted this Code of Ethics as the principles, rules and requirements of professional conduct expected of Professional Biologists.

The ASPB Code of Ethics requires members to exhibit competence and integrity in all aspects of the practice of professional biology. A professional member not adhering to the Code of Ethics can be subject to discipline proceedings if a complaint is filed.

Adherence and demonstrated competence related to this Code is a requirement for membership in the ASPB.

Responsibilities to the Public

A Professional Biologist shall:

  • Continually assess her/his professional competence and maintain competence through continuing education, training and experience.
  • Conduct the practice of biology in accordance with all applicable laws and established ASPB’s Practice Standards.
  • Offer professional services only on matters in which she/he is qualified through professional training and/or experience.
  • Be objective and honest in all estimates, reports, testimony and other matters, and identify limitations in data or concepts.
  • Conduct professional activities with the highest regard for the health and safety of the public and for the environment.
  • Accept full responsibility for the results and conclusions of all professional work and refuse to allow her/his name to be associated with work which has been altered in such a manner as to imply substantially different conclusions than those originally stated.
  • Attempt to convey to the public at large, as well as to other professions, an understanding of the concepts of biological sciences and its practice as related to the natural environment and the public welfare.

Responsibilities to the Employer or Client

A Professional Biologist shall:

  • Disclose relevant professional qualifications and experience to the employer or client as appropriate.
  • Identify any interests of the Biologist that may impair her/his objectivity and disclose those interests to each client or employer at the earliest possible time, and in any report in which the Biologist states his or her professional opinion. The Professional Biologist shall also take any necessary measures to ensure that such interests do not affect his or her objectivity in the practice of biology.
  • Not disclose confidential information obtained while acting for any client or employer, unless authorized to do so by the employer or client or as required by law.
  • Refrain from offering advice, in a professional context, as to the qualifications and employment of another Professional Biologist, unless it is requested by the employer or client in the normal course of evaluating prospective employees or consultants.
  • Will not manipulate his or her findings or professional opinions in exchange for compensation of any kind.
  • Not falsify or misrepresent his or her findings or professional opinions.

Responsibilities Within the Profession

A Professional Biologist shall:

  • Credit work done by others, and take responsibility for her/his own work through authorship or appropriate acknowledgment.
  • Recognize that an individual must make a distinction between statements that are personal and those that have the support of the profession and the ASPB.
  • Not allow profit or personal advancement to interfere with responsibility to the ASPB and the profession.
  • Take reasonable precautions not to injure the professional reputation of another person through vexatious or frivolous statements.
  • Assist in the development of the profession by supporting the ASPB Codes of Ethics & Conduct, encouraging biologists and students of biology, and by sharing knowledge and experience.
  • Bring concerns about possible unethical conduct, professional misconduct or unskilled practice by a Professional Biologist to the persons or bodies best suited to investigate and handle such concerns.
  • Endeavor at all times to encourage the dissemination of biological information and improve the competence, esteem and respect of the profession.
  • Not claim or imply that any statements related to personal or professional opinions or beliefs are the position of the profession or the society.

April 13, 2011 Revision