Principles and guidelines for ethical research and evaluation

This document from the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) sets out four principles that are aimed at raising awareness of and assisting in the identification of ethical issues when undertaking research and evaluation.

The principles, updated in 2021, were developed in line with the ACFID Code of Conduct and are based on internationally recognised research guidance and principles on data collection from human participants. 

The Principles and Guidelines provide overarching direction and practical support for the design, implementation and utilisation of research and evaluation in international development settings.

The Principles, originally published in 2013, are relevant to anyone who commissions, manages, conducts or reviews research and evaluation, particularly in relation to poverty reduction, development and social justice. The Guidelines, originally published in 2015, function as an applied tool in support of ethical research in theory and practice and draw from the principles and obligations of the ACFID Code of Conduct.