AMDF Code of Ethics

The mission of the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (AMDF) is to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders, and to provide support to affected individuals and families.

The Code of Ethics describes an ethical framework for Directors of the AMDF and for members, employees or volunteers acting for AMDF, however it does not replace any ethical or legal obligation provided by the Companies Act or individual professional bodies or employers.

Provision of Information

AMDF will only provide accurate, scientifically valid information to the public and to health professionals and researchers.

Provision of Support

Any financial or other forms of support provided by AMDF will be given on an equitable, non-discriminatory basis.

Research

• AMDF will only support research performed in an ethical manner that complies with national guidelines. These currently include the National Health & Medical Research Council National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) and the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Edition, 2004.
• AMDF will only support research that has obtained appropriate approval from a relevant Human Research Ethics Committee or Animal Ethics Committee.
• AMDF will follow ethical guidelines when asked to facilitate or recruit subjects for research studies.
• Applications for research funding will be assessed by a fair and transparent process of independent peer review.

Conflicts of Interest

Individuals acting on behalf of AMDF will declare any potential Conflicts of Interest that may influence them in assessing or promoting research applications, therapies, policy statements or information statements.

Use of Personal Information and Images

• AMDF will safeguard privacy and autonomy by obtaining appropriate informed consent from individuals and from parents or guardians of children prior to the use of any personal information or images that are potentially identifiable.
• AMDF will not disclose names or potentially identifying information about children.

Sponsorship

AMDF welcomes sponsorship of its activities by appropriate individuals, companies and other organisations. Acceptance of such sponsorship does not imply endorsement by AMDF of any products, claims or services that may be provided by the sponsor.