This book describes the ethical foundations of scientific practices and some of the personal and professional issues that researchers encounter in their work. It applies to all forms of research, whether in academic, industrial, or governmental settings, and to all scientific disciplines. It is designed as a supplement to informal lessons in ethics provided by research supervisors and mentors.

This third edition reflects developments since the publication of the original edition in 1989 and a second edition in 1995. A continuing feature of this edition is the inclusion of a number of hypothetical scenarios offering guidance in thinking about and discussing these scenarios.

On Being a Scientist is aimed primarily at graduate students and beginning researchers, but its lessons apply to all scientists at all stages of their scientific careers, and can be used in discussions in educational settings at many levels.