Code of Ethics at the
National Aerospace University
«Kharkiv Aviation Institute»
Approved by:
The Academic Council of the
National Aerospace University
«Kharkiv Aviation Institute»
Protocol No. 1 dated August 27, 2025
Enacted by: Order No. 391 of August 28, 2025
QMS HAI-CTO-C/001:2025
Date of introduction: September 01, 2025
Revision No. 2
1. General Provisions
1.1. Recognizing its important educational, social-enlightenment, innovation, and research function, the National Aerospace University «Kharkiv Aviation Institute» (hereinafter referred to as the University) acknowledges the fundamental principles and ethical values underlying educational processes, scientific research, innovation implementation, and the development of international cooperation.
These values are shared by the Ukrainian, European, and global academic and scientific communities, and they comply with the provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, the Laws of Ukraine «On Education», «On Higher Education», «On Prevention of Corruption», international declarations and charters, in particular the Magna Charta Universitatum (1988), European Charter for Researchers (2005), Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities (2003), Bucharest Declaration of Ethical Values and Principles of Higher Education (2004), UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (2023), UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021), as well as the University Statute, Internal Regulations, and other internal documents of the University.
1.2. The University Code of Ethics (hereinafter - the Code), taking into account the University Code of Academic Integrity (QMS HAI-NMD-C/001:2023), the Regulation on the Commission on Academic Integrity (QMS HAI-NMD-R/008:2019, Revision 2 of 09.01.2023), the Regulation on the Academic Integrity Promotion Group (QMS HAI-NMD-R/002:2023), and the University Artificial Intelligence Usage Strategy (QMS HAI-UV-C/001:2025), which thoroughly regulate issues of academic integrity, is an updated edition of the University Code of Ethical Conduct (QMS HAI-NMD-R/003:2019).
1.3. The Code is a key element of the corporate university culture, formalizing values, moral guidelines, and the expected model of behavior for employees and education applicants of the University, where the norms of respect, transparency, responsibility, and honesty are fundamental in daily work. It serves as one of the benchmark internal documents providing an ethical framework for the University's internal and external relations, and functions as a declaration of principles jointly adopted by teachers and researchers, management and other staff, higher education applicants, and all who interact with the University.
1.4. The Code regulates not only educational and scientific integrity but also the values of coexistence within the university community, including respect, fairness, equality, communication culture, human rights observance, and social responsibility. The Code aims to form ethical foundations of interaction between employees, administration, and partners of the University, and defines the basic principles, moral norms, and rules of professional ethics that must be guided by officials of public law legal entities in the performance of their duties and outside the direct exercise of powers, as well as by all participants in the educational process. The Code is developed taking into account the experience and models of the world's best universities.
1.5. The University promotes an increase in the level of institutional and individual social responsibility. Ethical, responsible, and safe behavior, particularly in the digital environment, is considered a fundamental value for achieving institutional goals, continuous improvement, developing a culture of sustainable development, effective exchange with national and international educational and scientific communities, creating a professional environment, maintaining an open dialogue, establishing mutual respect in interpersonal relations, and protecting all aspects of rights and personal values of each member of the university community.
1.6. The provisions of this Code apply to all participants in the university community: scientific-pedagogical, scientific, pedagogical, and other employees, higher education applicants, and other persons involved in educational, scientific, or organizational activities at the University. Ignorance or misunderstanding of the norms of this Code is not an excuse for unethical behavior.
1.7. The tasks of the Code are:
- ensuring high standards of academic integrity, professional ethics, and social responsibility;
- creating favorable conditions for the effective performance of their duties by all members of the university community on the basis of public morality, culture, respect for human rights and freedoms;
- supporting and enhancing the authority of University employees and forming a positive image of the University in Ukraine and abroad;
- preventing and countering manifestations of corruption, academic plagiarism, bias, and discrimination;
- developing a culture of open science, sustainable development, and safe use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
1.8. The Code aims to form and support universal moral values, academic freedom, respect for university traditions, and the promotion of innovation. Compliance with its provisions ensures an increase in personal responsibility, integrity, and self-control of employees and education applicants, the development of a professional and ethical culture of interaction, and the prevention of corruption and dishonest practices.
1.9. Fulfillment of the Code's provisions is a prerequisite for organizing effective work, a high-quality educational process, and conducting scientific research. Knowledge and compliance with the provisions of the Code are taken into account when evaluating the professional activities of employees and the learning achievements of education applicants, as well as when resolving issues regarding their reputation and compliance with University standards.
2. Scope of Application
2.1. The Code defines the core values of the university community, establishes rules for preventing all forms of discrimination, abuse, corruption, and violations of academic integrity, and regulates the procedure for resolving conflicts of interest and issues related to intellectual property.
2.2. The Code is designed to form an academic atmosphere in which each member of the university community has the opportunity to carry out professional, scientific, or educational activities in conditions of mutual respect, equality of rights, and a safe and inclusive environment, including in the digital space.
2.3. The Code does not aim to regulate all possible controversial situations related to unfair behavior; however, it lays the foundations, guided by which such situations should be resolved taking into account the mission and strategic goals of the University, the principles of the rule of law, academic freedom, and respect for human dignity.
2.4. The adoption and compliance with the provisions of this Code shall in no way contradict the laws of Ukraine, international treaties ratified by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and the University's obligations in the field of international cooperation.
2.5. The procedure for verifying and reviewing ethical violations is determined by internal regulations of the University, including the Code of Academic Integrity, the Regulation on the Commission on Academic Integrity, the Regulation on Prevention and Counteraction of Discrimination and Settlement of Conflict Situations (QMS HAI-NMD-R/003:2023), and other documents regulating compliance with ethical standards. In the event of ethical conflicts between members of the university community, the optimal way to resolve them is voluntary reconciliation. If it is impossible to resolve the conflict in a working order, as specified in the regulatory documents mentioned in this paragraph, a member of the university community may submit an application to the University Ethics Commission, which is established upon the proposal of the University Academic Council by order of the Rector, consisting of 5 members. The Regulation on the University Ethics Commission is given in Appendix A to this Code.
2.6. The following main concepts are used in this Code:
- academic integrity — a collection of ethical principles and rules defined by the laws of Ukraine «On Education», «On Higher Education», «On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activity», which must be guided by all education applicants, teachers, and scientists of the University during studying, teaching, and conducting scientific (creative) activity to ensure trust in learning outcomes and/or scientific (creative) achievements;
- academic culture - a system of values, norms, rules, behavioral patterns, principles of communication that regulate the activities of educational process participants and determine the principles of relationships between them and with the external environment in education and science;
- academic freedom - independence and autonomy of educational process participants during the implementation of scientific-pedagogical, scientific, and/or innovation activity, which takes place on the principles of freedom of speech, thought, and creativity, dissemination of knowledge and information, free publication and use of research results, taking into account restrictions established by law;
- business etiquette — the order of interaction and behavior of employees and education applicants of the University in the process of joint activity, including business correspondence, official meetings, communication with management, and representation of the University in the public space;
- scientific ethics - a set of norms and rules of behavior established and recognized by the global scientific academic community for employees engaged in scientific, scientific-technical, and scientific-pedagogical activities;
- university community — scientific, scientific-pedagogical, and pedagogical employees; higher education applicants and other persons studying at the University; practitioners involved in the educational process under educational-professional programs; other employees involved in the educational process and scientific research of the University.
Other concepts and terms in the field of academic integrity are defined by the University Code of Academic Integrity.
3. General Values, Ethical Principles, and Norms of Ethical Conduct of the University Community
3.1. General Values.
The university community is based on universal human values and fundamental principles of morality and law, in particular: humanism, justice, freedom, and equality.
The University recognizes the value of each person regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, social status, ethnic origin, religion or atheistic beliefs, state of health, and their right to develop abilities and creative self-realization, actively contributing to the realization of these rights.
The values of the university community are formed on the basis of critical thinking, freedom of cognition of the world, and respect for traditions and beliefs.
3.2. Principles of Activity and Behavior of University Community Members.
3.2.1. Collegiality, Respect for Human Dignity, and Counteraction to Discrimination.
Participants in the university community are guided by the principles of academic cooperation and fair competition while performing research, organizational, and official duties.
Tolerance and respect for human dignity are key principles of communication in the university environment.
The university community does not allow any forms of direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, status, territorial origin, beliefs, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, state of health, or other factors defined by law. Favoritism, harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of power are prohibited.
Participants in the university community use polite language in communication, public speeches, and social networks.
3.2.2. Academic Integrity.
Members of the community adhere to academic integrity in studying, teaching, research activities, and the provision of educational and advisory services (more details - in the University Code of Academic Integrity).
Adherence to academic integrity in scientific activities by all participants in the educational process involves:
- promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge and countering the spread of pseudoscientific theories, false concepts, and notions;
- responsibility for the consequences of one's scientific activity, counteraction to obtaining results that contradict the principles of academic integrity and can cause harm;
- adherence to the highest professional standards of planning and conducting scientific research;
- ensuring fundamental honesty and transparency at all stages of scientific research, inadmissibility of manifestations of dishonest behavior, decisive exposure of facts of plagiarism and other forms of copyright infringement;
- personal responsibility for a fair and objective assessment of educational, course, and qualification papers and dissertations;
- protection of the freedom of scientific thought, condemnation of censorship regarding scientific creativity.
Each participant in the educational process has the right and is obliged to react to violations or attempts to violate the principles and rules of academic integrity by other persons, in particular:
- to point out to participants in the educational process the inadmissibility of dishonest behavior in educational, scientific, and labor activities;
- to notify the University administration, faculties/departments, or student self-government bodies, including in writing, about violations of the rules of academic integrity;
- to apply to the bodies for ensuring academic integrity
of the University or officials granted separate powers to ensure academic integrity, in order to consider violations of academic integrity and bring the guilty participants of the educational process to justice.
Any participant in the educational process who has witnessed or has serious reason to believe that a violation specified in this Code has occurred has the right to file a complaint (report) addressed to the head of the academic integrity commission or an official who has separate powers to apply the provisions of this Code, the Code of Academic Integrity, the Regulation on the Commission on Academic Integrity, and is an authorized subject regarding bringing to academic responsibility. Anonymous reports on violations of the principles of academic integrity are not considered.
3.2.3. Responsibility.
Community members show responsibility and dedication to the interests of Ukraine, contribute to the development of the state, fulfill national and civic duties, respect cultural values, territorial integrity, and human rights, treat the environment with care, and do not allow damage to the environment through their actions or inaction.
Community members care about the reputation of the University and their own, ensure transparency of activities, maintain open access to knowledge, and publicly disseminate the results of scientific works.
In relations with foreign partners, participants represent and protect the interests of the University.
University resources, including property and intellectual property, are used responsibly and exclusively for the realization of its mission and tasks.
3.2.4. Academic Freedom.
The University guarantees freedom of expression in teaching, research, and creative activities.
Community members strive for truthful knowledge, disseminate the experience and results of their research, promote the development of critical thinking, and provide opportunities for participation in discussions and debates.
3.2.5. Zero Tolerance for Corruption.
The university community does not allow any manifestations of corruption: bribery, receiving or offering improper benefits, abuse of official position, opaque decision-making, or actions that undermine the honesty and reputation of the University (more details - University Anti-Corruption Program QMS HAI-UV-ACP/001:2025).
The University's policy is based on transparency, objectivity, and legality. Any violations are corrected by disciplinary or legal procedures.
3.2.6. Legality.
In their activities, members of the university community strictly adhere to the requirements of laws, other regulatory acts of Ukraine and the University, and encourage others to do so.
3.2.7. Mutual Trust.
An atmosphere of trust encourages the free exchange of ideas and information in the university environment, promotes cooperation and the free production of new ideas, and eliminates the fear that the results of activity may be stolen, a career ruined, and a reputation undermined.
3.2.8. Honesty and Decency.
In educational and teaching activities, scientific research, practical work, etc., representatives of the university community are obliged to act honestly, be candid, and under no circumstances consciously make false statements.
3.2.9. Competence and Professionalism.
Employees and education applicants of the University are obliged to maintain the highest level of competence in work and study. An imperative is their constant improvement of their educational and scientific level as a form of implementing the principle «from education for life - to education throughout life».
3.2.10. Transparency.
To avoid abuse of official position by elected or appointed representatives of the university community, it is necessary that all procedures related to educational, research, economic, and financial activities are transparent and understandable.
3.2.11. Fairness.
In relationships between members of the university community, an unbiased attitude towards each other, and a correct and objective assessment of the results of educational, research, and labor activities are important.
3.2.12. Ensuring Economic Feasibility in Public Procurement.
Forming documentation and conducting public procurement in such a way as to effectively, rationally, and timely, in the required volume, purchase goods (services, works) at the lowest price needed to ensure the University's activities.
3.2.13. Safety.
University employees and education applicants must care about personal safety and the safety of other members of the university community. Any activity should not create a threat to life, cause harm to the health and property of anyone in general and members of the university community in particular.
3.2.14. Healthy Lifestyle.
Participants in the university community recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, adhere to the principles of physical and mental well-being, and maintain a safe and healthy environment for studying, working, and communicating.
3.3. These principles are not exhaustive. Members of the university community may be guided by other ethical norms and values that contribute to a high level of academic integrity, professional behavior, and social responsibility.
3.4. Compliance with the above values and principles should be a matter of honor for all members of the university community without exception.
3.5. The main norms of ethical conduct for the university community are:
- to respect the rights and freedoms of other persons, to be tolerant of religious and political views of people that do not contradict constitutional principles and universal human values; to show respect for the customs and traditions of both employees and education applicants representing different nations and cultures, to take into account the features of ethnic and national groups in their activities;
- to adhere to a general culture of behavior, to show humanism, politeness, attention to people, courtesy, benevolence, punctuality;
- to care about the culture of one's own speech and style of communication;
- not to exert administrative influence, physical or mental violence on other members of the university community with the aim of making an unlawful decision;
- to control one's behavior, feelings, and emotions, not to allow personal sympathies and mood to affect official decisions, to behave correctly with colleagues, direct supervisors, the administration of the University and its structural subdivisions, other officials, and education applicants, regardless of their official and social standing;
- to adhere to sanitary and hygienic requirements in classrooms and other premises of the University, to respect the labor of the economic (auxiliary) staff;
- to honor the history, traditions, name, and symbols of the University;
- to contribute to strengthening the academic reputation of the University and refrain from actions that can harm the image of the University.
3.6. Other norms of ethical conduct are set out in the Statute and Internal Regulations of the University.
4. Conflict of Interest
4.1. Conflict of interest — a contradiction between a private interest and the duties of a university community member, which affects / may affect the objectivity or impartiality of decision-making, or the commission or omission of actions during the performance of their powers, and can lead to negative consequences for other members of the university community or the University in general, and violate the ethical principles and standards of conduct defined by this Code.
4.2. To avoid violations of ethical standards due to a conflict of interest, a university community member must:
- distinguish their extra-university activities and private interests from their official duties at the University. The fulfillment of external contract and grant obligations should not conflict with the implementation of core activities;
- avoid conflicts of interest that may arise due to private relations (family, kinship, friendship) with other members of the university community. In the event of such a conflict of interest, it is necessary to find a transparent and fair solution for everyone. Decision-making affecting the interests of the majority of the university community members must be based on their prior public discussion. In case of situations and/or issues not regulated by this Code, a university community member may apply for clarifications to the authorized person on prevention and detection of corruption.
4.3. For the external resolution of a real or potential conflict of interest, the norms of the Law of Ukraine «On Prevention of Corruption», the methodological recommendations of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, and the Regulation on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest in the Activities of the University (QMS HAI-UV-R/001:2025) shall apply.
5. Final Provisions
5.1. The Code is adopted by the Academic Council of the University and enacted by the order of the Rector of the University.
5.2. Amendments and/or additions to this Code shall be made in the procedure established for its adoption.
5.3. The Code must be brought to the attention of all employees and higher education applicants of the University by publication on the official website of the University and must be taken into account in their work.
Appendix A
Regulations on the University Ethics Commission
General Provisions
1. The University Ethics Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) is a consultative and advisory body established to consider ethical issues related to the behavior of employees and education applicants, excluding issues considered under the procedures and in the manner provided by the Code of Academic Integrity, the Regulation on the Commission on Academic Integrity, and the Regulation on Prevention and Counteraction of Discrimination and Settlement of Conflict Situations.
2. The Commission is established by order of the Rector upon the submission of the University Academic Council, consisting of 5 persons who must have high moral authority in the university community.
Functions and Powers
1. The Commission may consider appeals from employees and education applicants on ethical issues related to relationships in the university environment, the behavior of educational process participants, compliance with ethical norms, etc.
2. Based on the results of reviewing the appeals, the Commission formulates recommendations for the Rector, the University administration, and other interested parties.
3. Upon a corresponding appeal from the Rector or the University Academic Council, the Commission may consider other issues and provide advisory opinions and recommendations.
4. The Commission has no disciplinary powers and acts as an advisory body.
Organization of Work
1. The Commission operates on the principles of confidentiality, objectivity, impartiality, and respect for all participants in the educational process.
2. The procedure of the Commission's work is determined by the internal regulations approved at its meeting.