Independence
Independent research and publication
Research is useful when its questions, methods and conclusions can be examined on their merits.
DIAS is being built around independent research and publication decisions. Support for the work must leave those decisions with the research and editorial process.
Funding and influence
No funder, client, partner, data provider or personal relationship may dictate a research question, alter findings or control whether and when public-interest work is published.
These principles apply to favourable findings, inconclusive results and work that challenges the interests of a supporter.
Where we stand today
DIAS is currently led and funded by its founder. Preparations are under way to incorporate a not-for-profit company in the United Kingdom.
An external governance structure and a commercial arm have not been established. Current safeguards centre on documented research, disclosure of relevant interests and refusal of terms that would give a supporter control over the work.
The independence charter records our commitments. The planned legal and governance arrangements are still being developed.
Relationships and disclosure
Relevant funding, material support and relationships must be disclosed where they bear on a research output. This includes the interests of the founder, contributors, reviewers and any future advisors.
Disclosure helps readers assess the work. A conflict may also require changes to who makes a decision or takes part in a review.
Any future commercial activity
Commercial or advisory services, if developed, must operate through a separate entity with clear financial and operational boundaries.
Clients must not control public-interest research priorities, methods, findings or publication. The first public version of this site offers no commercial services.
Accountability
Independence leaves room for error and disagreement. Methods must remain open to criticism, uncertainty must be stated and material corrections must be visible.
These commitments will need to be supported by governance and review arrangements as the initiative develops.