CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL RESEARCH DECREE
YOUTH THESIS THINK TANK
ARTICLE I: PREAMBLE AND FUNCTIONAL SCOPE
This Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the "Code") establishes the binding ethical, operational, and research standards governing all participating researchers, regular members, and project leads (hereinafter referred to as "Candidates") within the Youth Thesis informal youth initiative (hereinafter referred to as the "Organization").
As an independent youth think tank, the Organization demands absolute devotion to the core missions of enhancing youth participation in public life and clarifying public policy. All actions taken under the banner of the Organization must strictly adhere to the internal rules of mutual respect, community accountability, and scholastic honesty.
ARTICLE II: SCHOLARLY INTEGRITY AND POLICY RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
Candidates are contractually and ethically obligated to maintain peerless standards of research honesty. Deviations endanger the reputation of the think tank and constitute a material breach of this Code.
Section 2.01: Originality of Deliverables. All manuscripts, policy briefs, data analytics, and summaries compiled by a Candidate must be the exclusive product of their personal intellectual output.
Section 2.02: Anti-Plagiarism Mandate. The uncredited incorporation, paraphrasing, or structural duplication of third-party policy papers, concepts, or statistics is strictly prohibited. All source materials must be explicitly cited using standardized academic methodologies (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Section 2.03: Regulated Deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Generative artificial intelligence tools or automated large language models may only be utilized as supplementary aids (e.g., proofreading or formatting support) under guidelines authorized by the Governing Board. Presenting fully AI-generated text, hypotheses, or analytical metrics as original work constitutes research fraud.
Section 2.04: Prevention of Data Malpractice. Falsification, intentional skewing, or outright fabrication of qualitative field surveys, statistics, or policy outcomes will result in immediate disciplinary adjudication.
Section 2.05: Ethical Public Interaction. Where research requires active civic engagement (surveys, interviews, public focus groups), Candidates must strictly secure voluntary informed consent, respect anonymity, and handle personal information in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679.
ARTICLE III: COMMUNITY INTEGRITY AND OPERATIONAL CONDUCT
Candidates shall operate in a manner that protects the collaborative environment, security, and internal values of the informal youth group.
Section 3.01: Zero Tolerance for Harassment. The Organization enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against bullying, discrimination, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior based on race, gender, orientation, religion, disability, or nationality.
Section 3.02: Professional Discourse. Communication across all operational channels—including official e-mail networks, institutional LinkedIn spaces, public forums, and internal coordination sessions—must remain civil, constructive, and aligned with the values of public public-interest think tanks.
Section 3.03: Asset Protection and Cybersecurity. Candidates must handle shared digital assets, including the Organization's web assets, Google Workspace tools, and communication archives, with absolute care. Any action that intentionally undermines network security or violates cybersecurity guidelines will trigger immediate review under emergency administrative protocols.
ARTICLE IV: OPERATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROTOCOLS
Candidates assume sole responsibility for executing assigned milestones, event coordination, and strategic reporting.
Section 4.01: Event and Budget Compliance. Any project or public interaction must be formally submitted and documented using the standard Event and Budget Proposal templates, establishing clear timelines and resource requirements prior to execution.
Section 4.02: Interdepartmental Coordination. Initiatives touching upon both European Affairs and Digital Technology parameters must be elevated to a joint coordination session of the Governing Board to ensure strategic alignment.
Section 4.03: Crisis Accountability. If a sudden operational conflict or emergency occurs affecting critical events, information security, or academic assignments, the impacted party must immediately signal the Governing Board so emergency proxy measures can be initiated to ensure operational continuity.
ARTICLE V: ADJUDICATION AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE & REMEDIES: > It is explicitly declared that while this Code serves as an internal agreement of operational structure and ethical commitment lacking formal external legal enforceability, compliance remains a strict prerequisite for ongoing participation. Infractions, ethical breaches, or acts of research fraud will be reviewed by the Governing Board. Upon a finding of non-compliance, the leadership retains the absolute right to enforce internal remedies including, but not limited to:
Issuance of a formal written reprimand; 2. Immediate revocation of access to official communication networks and digital workspace archives; 3. Deletion or retraction of the Candidate’s published briefs from the official website and professional portals; 4. Formal, permanent dismissal from the Organization by a majority vote of the Governing Board.
ARTICLE VI: RATIFICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By maintaining an active role, submitting research deliverables, or steering projects within the Youth Thesis framework, the Candidate acknowledges they have read, comprehended, and unconditionally covenanted to fulfill the ethical provisions set forth herein