Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) Revised: August 2026 | Next review: August 2028

1. Policy Statement

The Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) is a non-profit research and development organisation based in Nicosia, Cyprus. As an organisation entrusted with public funding — above all European Union funding — RITE regards integrity as inseparable from scientific credibility. Corruption, bribery and fraud of any kind are incompatible with the Institute’s mission and are not tolerated in any form or under any circumstances.

This policy gives effect to the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to the applicable legislation of the Republic of Cyprus, and operationalises the obligations that RITE assumes under EU grant agreements, in particular sound financial management and the prevention of fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest.

2. Application

This policy binds the members of the Board, all employees, researchers, trainers, volunteers and interns of RITE, and extends to external experts, contractors and suppliers whenever they act for or on behalf of the Institute. It governs every area of RITE’s activity: research, nationally and EU-funded projects, recruitment, procurement, partnerships and financial management.

3. Key Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, corruption means the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Bribery covers the direct or indirect offering, promising, giving, soliciting or accepting of any undue advantage, financial or otherwise, with the aim of influencing a decision or action. Fraud denotes any intentional deception — including false statements, falsified documents or the misuse of funds or assets — intended to obtain an unjust or unlawful advantage or to cause loss to another party. Facilitation payments, meaning small unofficial payments made to expedite routine actions, are prohibited without exception.

A conflict of interest arises where the impartial and objective exercise of a person’s functions is, or could reasonably appear to be, compromised for reasons involving family, emotional life, political or national affinity, economic interest or any other direct or indirect personal interest. Actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest are all covered by this policy.

4. Standards of Conduct

No person to whom this policy applies may offer, solicit or accept bribes or kickbacks; make facilitation payments; embezzle or misappropriate funds or assets; practise favouritism or nepotism; collude in or manipulate procurement procedures; falsify records, timesheets, deliverables or supporting documents; misuse grant or research funds; or participate in money laundering.

5. Gifts and Hospitality

Members of the RITE team do not solicit gifts or hospitality in connection with their functions. Modest, customary gifts or hospitality of symbolic value — as a guide, not exceeding fifty euro (€50) — may be accepted where they are occasional, transparent and incapable of influencing, or appearing to influence, any decision. Anything above this threshold is declared to management and recorded. Cash or cash equivalents are never accepted, and no gift or hospitality of any value is accepted from a party involved in an ongoing procurement, recruitment or evaluation process in which RITE takes part.

6. Conflicts of Interest in Practice

Everyone covered by this policy declares any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest in writing and without delay — to line management or, in the case of Board members, to the Board. Persons sitting on procurement, recruitment or selection panels, or taking part in evaluations and peer reviews, complete a written declaration of absence of conflict of interest before the process begins. Where a conflict exists, the person concerned withdraws from the decision-making process, and the mitigating steps taken are documented. Heightened vigilance applies to recruitment, procurement, subcontracting, the selection of partners and experts, the review and evaluation of research, and the management of project budgets.

7. Financial Management and Procurement

RITE applies the four-eyes principle to financial commitments and payments and maintains an appropriate segregation of duties. Procurement follows the principles of best value for money, transparency, non-discrimination and equal treatment, supported by documented offers or tenders in line with the Institute’s internal financial procedures and the rules of the relevant funding programme. Complete and accurate books, records and supporting documentation are kept for the periods required by law and by the applicable grant agreements.

8. Obligations under EU Grant Agreements

In implementing EU-funded projects, RITE honours the obligations of the applicable grant agreements in full. The Institute does not submit false or misleading information to granting authorities; it cooperates without reservation with checks, reviews, audits and investigations carried out by the granting authorities, the European Commission, the European Court of Auditors, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO); and it informs the granting authority promptly of any suspected fraud or irregularity affecting EU funds, as its contractual obligations require.

9. Raising Concerns and Protection of Reporting Persons

Anyone who becomes aware of, or reasonably suspects, corruption, bribery, fraud or an undeclared conflict of interest connected with RITE’s activities is encouraged to raise it with the management of the Institute or, where the concern involves management itself, with the Board. Concerns may be raised in person, in writing or by email to info@ritecy.org.

Every report is handled confidentially, impartially and without delay. Retaliation of any kind against a person who reports in good faith is not tolerated, consistent with Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law and the corresponding legislation of the Republic of Cyprus. Anonymous reports are examined where they contain sufficient information to allow an assessment. Knowingly false or malicious reports are treated as a disciplinary matter.

10. Consequences of Breach

A breach of this policy leads to disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal, and to the termination of contracts or cooperation with external parties. Where justified, RITE recovers losses, refers the matter to the competent national authorities — including the Cyprus Police and the Independent Authority against Corruption — and notifies the relevant granting authorities.

11. Training and Awareness

This policy is introduced to every new member of the RITE team at induction. Periodic awareness sessions are held, with particular emphasis on those working in financial management, procurement and project management.

12. Ownership and Review

The Board of Directors owns this policy and reviews it at least every two years, or sooner where legislation, funder requirements or the Institute’s activities change. Day-to-day implementation rests with the management of RITE.

13. Interaction with Other Policies

This policy operates together with RITE’s Ethics Strategy, internal financial procedures, GDPR Privacy Notice, Child Protection Policy, Gender Equality Plan, Research Ethics and Integrity Policy and Environmental Sustainability Policy.

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE)Filona 7, Strovolos, 2036 Nicosia, Cyprus Email: info@ritecy.org

RITE introduction 

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) is an established non-for-Profit Research and Development organization, located in Nicosia-Cyprus. RITE has been created as a result of the collective experiences of distinguished scientists, -Academics, innovators and social entrepreneurs- who have been working for years in high-level Universities and Research Institutions, both in Cyprus and abroad. The mission of RITE is to contribute to the conduction of scientific and applied research with the aim to reinforce innovation, technology transfer, knowledge consolidation and policy reform, as main catalysts for the production of social value. 

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) creates international opportunities for the people of Cyprus and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We believe child protection requires everyone to take responsibility. We recognize that the care and welfare of children is paramount and that all children have the right to protection from all types of harm. 

Accordingly, RITE carries out its activities in order to achieve the following results: 

• Purposeful activities that magnify the benefits to society; 
• Participation in the public sphere by facilitating the conduction of structured democratic dialogues which unleash the spirit of creativity and teamwork among citizens, thus enabling them to face or prevent forthcoming crises; 
• Citizens’ Welfare through the deployment of humanitarian and sustainable development programs; 
• Multiculturality by valuing diversity in ideas, in our staff and in those we serve; 
• Proactive mentality by forecasting and analyzing potential social, economic and environmental risks and challenges while predicting future trends in education and research:
• Creation of synergies that are recognized for their high-quality in terms of capacities and ethics, thus aspiring to produce a combined effect which is much greater than the sum of scattered attempts;
• Commitment towards our local communities to bring about an evidence based, long term social impact through our currently running programs; and 
• Innovation for the constant investigation of more sustainable and streamlined solutions.

All of these activities may involve children under the age of 18. The purpose of creating our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy is to clearly and unambiguously state the basic rules of treatment of and responsibility for children in connection with all the activities of the Foundation, as well as the conditions for enforcing the rules. 

Child Protection Policy 

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) recognizes that we have a fundamental duty of care towards all children we engage with, including a duty to protect them from abuse. We achieve this through compliance with Cyprus child protection laws and relevant laws in each of the country we collaborate with, as well as by adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child (UNCRC) 1989. 

This policy is mandatory for all staff of Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE). This includes anyone who works for the Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE), either in a paid or unpaid, full or part time capacity. This includes directly employed staff, trustees, contractors, agency staff, consultants, volunteers, interns and anyone working on behalf of the Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE). 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES: 

• In accordance with the Children Law, Chapter 352, in Cyprus, all persons under the age of 18 are considered to be children. 
• In the treatment of children, we observe and comply with all the provisions and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Cyprus Social Welfare Services. 
• All persons under the age of 18, regardless of nationality, legal status, social status, gender identity and potential disability, are eligible to participate in our programs and events appropriate to their age and current condition. 
• All children have the right to equal treatment, health care services, well-being, quality education, adequate protection and participation. 
• In order to fully enforce children’s rights, we cooperate with other professional and / or advocacy organizations and professionals, if necessary. 
• All children, irrespective of ability, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality and culture participate equally in our activities. 

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) is committed to: 

• Valuing, respecting and listening to children, 

• Ensuring all necessary checks are made when recruiting staff, 

• Maintaining strong child protection systems and procedures for staff, 

• Training our staff and providing a common understanding of child protection issues to inform planning and practice, 

• Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children and parents/carers, 

• Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately, 

• Providing effective management for staff through clear processes, supervision, and support, 

• We will provide adequate and appropriate resources to implement this policy and will ensure it is communicated and understood, 
• Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) will review this global policy statement annually to reflect new legal and regulatory developments and ensure good practice. 

The Organization will ensure that: 

Article 1:  The welfare of the child and/or vulnerable adult is paramount and it is our utmost concern. Within the context of this policy ‘child’ and ‘children’ can also be taken to cover vulnerable adult(s), namely those persons who lack the absolute most basic human life skills. 

Article 2:All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/ or sexual orientation have the right to be protected from harm and all adults involved in the Organization should be fully respect, protect and promote this right. 

Article 3:All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately in accordance with the Organization’s policies and guidelines and in full compliance with the vision and aims of the Organization and the relevant laws. 

Article 4:All staff, including volunteers and any other person involved in the Organization (paid/ unpaid) working in the Organization have a responsibility to report concerns to (their supervisor/head of their department) as soon as those concerns are being raised or as soon as possible after those concerns have being raised. 

Article 5: All concerns regarding individuals’ practice/s should be reported to your supervisor or head of your department as soon as those concerns are being raised or as soon as possible after those concerns have being raised. 

Article 6:Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often by people they know and trust. It refers to the damage done to a child’s physical or mental health. Children can be abused within or outside their family, at school or in a sports or community environment. Vulnerable adults may also be subject to similar abuse. The Organization expects all persons involved in the Organization to fully understand and acquaint themselves with this term. 

PART II: 

The Organization is committed to the following values and principles, which should be fully promoted, protected and respected by all persons involved in the Organization,

Article 7: The Organization values children and their protection. 

Article 8: The Organization is committed to protecting the personal data of children. 

Article 9: The Organization wants to safeguard children through the provision of courses/presentation/workshops and other activities that the Organization implements. 

Article 10: The Organization wants to fulfill its duty of care and provide a safe assessment environment or safe training or work placement, with full respect of human rights and with full endorsement of the principle of non-discrimination. 

Article 11: The Organization wishes to give clear direction to staff in situations that may be distressing to all people, including children, involved in the Organization. 

Article 12: The Organization wishes to address and reduce to the fullest possible extent any harm to which a child is being or may be subjected to. 

PART III: 

The Organization notes the following in relation to what it is expected from all persons involved in the Organization to do in cases that a child / young person reports abuse:

Article 13: If someone discloses that they are being abused, then upon receiving the information you should, 

1. React calmly. 
2. Reassure the child that they were right to tell and that they are not to blame and take what the child says seriously. 
3. Be careful not to be deemed as putting words into the child’s mouth, the easiest way of doing 
4. this is by asking questions. 
5. Do not promise confidentiality. 
6. Inform the child/ young person what you will do next. 
7. Make a full and written record of what has been said as soon as possible and do not delay in passing on the information. 

Article 14: The report should include: 

1. The child’s known details including name, date of birth, address and contact numbers where possible. 
2. Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their own concerns or those of someone else
3. The nature of the allegation, including dates, times, specific factors and any other relevant information.
4. Make a clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay.
5. A description of any visible bruising or other injuries. Also any indirect signs, such as behavioral changes.
6. Details of witnesses to the incidents.
7. The child’s account if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred.

Accounts from others, including colleagues and parents

Article 15: Things to be aware of: 

1. Staff/associates and any other person/s involved in the Organization should not undertake any investigations themselves, referring evidence instead to the appropriate authorities, such as Social Welfare Services and/or the Police. 
2. Staff/associates and any other person/s involved in the Organization may make preliminary enquiries, if the incident concerns the child’s school. The school has the principal responsibility for dealing with child protection issues and will involve the appropriate authorities. 

PART IV: 

The Organization reiterates and understands that,

Article 16: The majority of the staff/interns/associates/chairs of the Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) come in contact with children and young people. This contact may be direct, such as provision of counseling services, answering telephone calls or indirect for example through an email report/social media message where the child asks for help. 

Article 17: Additionally, staff and associates will have occasional contact with children in schools or on work placements and may be privy to information or situations which give cause for concern.

Article 18: Wherever staff/associates are required to have contact with children, the Organization will only recruit or appoint staff who are deemed suitable to work with children, based on objective criteria. 

Article 19: Staff/associates coming in contact with children are requested to submit to the Organization a certificate of clean criminal record and a certificate of clean criminal record in relation to crimes against children. 

Article 20: Staff/associates are required to sign a declaration of confidentiality upon the initiation of their cooperation with the Organization. 

Article 21: Staff/associates should acquire a written consent of parents or legal guardians for all activities with children. 

Article 22: Staff and visitors must conduct themselves appropriately in the presence of children and always in line with the Organization’s policies. 

Article 23: Staff/associates working with children, will be issued with a copy of this policy and this policy will be also available in an electronic form. Any member of staff found in breach of the guidance will be subject to immediate removal from their position/contract, as this policy forms an integral part of such a contract 

Article 24: Staff/associates who engage in external placements for work experience and training programmes are required to ensure that placement providers are aware of child protection issues and obligations when seen to be violated based on the UN Convention on the rights of the Child (UNCRC). 

PART V: 

Article 25: The Organization notes that all provisions of this Policy are material and that all persons involved in the Organization need to adhere to these.

DATA PROTECTION 

When organizing and conducting our programs, we keep in mind the regulations on the protection of children’s data. Issues of participation, data provision and publicity are handled in accordance with the law for all age groups (under 14, 14-16 and 16-18). Children under the age of 16 are shown in photos, audio and video recordings of each program for the public only with parental / guardian permission, and in all cases with full respect for the rights and dignity of the child and young person. 

REMEDIES 

If an external person raises an objection to the rights, protection and safe participation of children in connection with any program, event or work process of Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE), you may submit this objection in writing to info@ritecy.org. The responsible person of the Organisation is obliged to deal with the substantive objection within a maximum of 7 working days, and to provide a written answer to the objector. 

Panayiota Mourettou, 

Director of Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) 

Email: info@ritecy.org 

www.ritecy.org | Address: Filona 7, Strovolos, 2036, Nicosia, Cyprus 

Gender Equality Plan

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE)Version 2.0 | Adopted: August 2026 | Next review: August 2028

1. Introduction and Commitment

The Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) is a non-profit research and development organisation based in Nicosia, Cyprus. Its mission is to contribute to scientific and applied research that reinforces innovation, technology transfer, knowledge consolidation and policy reform as catalysts for the production of social value.

RITE is committed to gender equality as a matter of fundamental rights, research excellence and organisational quality. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) sets out the structures, resources, measures and monitoring arrangements through which RITE promotes gender equality in its working environment and integrates the gender dimension into its research and innovation activities. It is designed to fulfil the requirements applicable to research organisations participating in Horizon Europe.

2. Legal and Policy Framework

This plan is grounded in Article 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, which enshrines the principle of equal treatment and prohibits any form of direct or indirect discrimination, including on the grounds of gender; the applicable equality legislation of the Republic of Cyprus; the gender equality policy framework of the European Union; and the gender equality requirements of Horizon Europe and other EU funding programmes. Personal data processed under this plan is handled in accordance with the GDPR and RITE’s GDPR Privacy Notice.

3. Publication and Endorsement

This plan is a public document, formally endorsed by the top management of RITE, signed by the Director, and published on the RITE website. It is communicated to all members of the organisation upon adoption and to all new staff, researchers, volunteers and interns upon induction.

4. Dedicated Resources

RITE allocates dedicated resources to the implementation of this plan. A Gender Equality Officer is designated from among the staff, with allocated working time to coordinate implementation, maintain monitoring data, act as a confidential first point of contact on gender equality matters, and report annually to management. RITE further commits resources for gender equality and unconscious bias training and draws on external gender expertise where needed, including through its participation in European projects and networks.

5. Data Collection and Monitoring

RITE collects and maintains sex-disaggregated data on its personnel, covering staff composition, decision-making and project coordination roles, recruitment applications and outcomes, and participation in training. The Gender Equality Officer compiles this data into an annual internal monitoring report, which is presented to management, informs corrective measures, and provides the evidence base for the periodic revision of this plan.

6. Training and Capacity Building

All staff, researchers, volunteers and interns receive an introduction to this plan upon induction. RITE organises at least one awareness-raising or training session per year on gender equality and unconscious gender bias, in which decision-makers and staff involved in recruitment and evaluation participate. Training materials and outcomes are documented as part of the annual monitoring report.

7. Thematic Areas and Measures

7.1 Work–life balance and organisational culture

RITE fosters an organisational culture that supports the reconciliation of professional and family life for all genders. Measures include flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible, respect for working-time boundaries in the scheduling of meetings, and equal treatment of caring responsibilities in workload planning. Indicator: work–life balance measures reviewed annually through the monitoring report.

7.2 Gender balance in leadership and decision-making

RITE strives for balanced gender representation in its decision-making structures and in the coordination of its units and projects, aiming for at least forty per cent representation of the under-represented gender in decision-making roles. Indicator: annual sex-disaggregated reporting on decision-making and coordination roles.

7.3 Gender equality in recruitment and career progression

RITE applies transparent, merit-based recruitment and progression procedures. Vacancy notices use gender-neutral language; selection panels are gender-mixed wherever feasible; and selection criteria are defined and documented before candidates are assessed. Indicator: share of recruitment processes conducted with gender-mixed panels and documented criteria, reported annually.

7.4 Integration of the gender dimension into research and innovation content

RITE integrates sex and gender analysis into the design of its research and innovation activities wherever relevant to the subject matter, in line with Horizon Europe expectations. Project proposals and research designs include an assessment of whether and how the gender dimension is relevant, and gender-sensitive approaches are applied to data collection, analysis and dissemination. Indicator: share of new project proposals containing an explicit gender dimension assessment.

7.5 Measures against gender-based violence, including sexual harassment

RITE applies zero tolerance to gender-based violence, sexual harassment and any form of harassment in its working environment and activities. Any person may report an incident or concern, confidentially, to the Gender Equality Officer or directly to the Director. Reports are handled promptly, impartially and with full respect for confidentiality, and no retaliation against persons reporting in good faith is tolerated. Substantiated incidents result in disciplinary or contractual consequences and, where warranted, referral to the competent authorities. Indicator: all reported incidents addressed under this procedure and reflected, in anonymised form, in the annual monitoring report.

8. Ethical Safeguards in Projects Involving Vulnerable Groups

Where RITE’s projects involve survivors of gender-based violence or other vulnerable groups, the organisation applies reinforced ethical safeguards throughout the project cycle: voluntary participation and informed consent; protection of privacy, anonymity and confidentiality; the best interest of participants as the paramount consideration; survivor-centred and empowerment-oriented approaches that avoid re-traumatisation and gender stereotyping; and responsible dissemination of findings.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation and Review

The Gender Equality Officer monitors implementation continuously and reports annually to management on the indicators set out in this plan. The plan is formally reviewed and revised at least every two years, taking into account the monitoring findings, developments in legislation and EU funding requirements, and the evolving activities of the organisation.

10. Endorsement

This Gender Equality Plan is approved and signed on behalf of the Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) by:

Panayiota Mourettou Director, Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) Nicosia, August 2026

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE)Filona 7, Strovolos, 2036 Nicosia, Cyprus Email: info@ritecy.org

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) Revised:  July 2026 | Next review: July 2028

1. Purpose

The Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) is a non-profit research and development organisation based in Nicosia, Cyprus, whose mission is to conduct scientific and applied research that reinforces innovation, technology transfer, knowledge consolidation and policy reform. The credibility of this mission depends on the integrity of the research behind it. This policy sets out the ethical principles and standards of good research practice that govern all research and innovation activities of RITE, complementing the organisation’s Ethics Strategy, which addresses organisational ethics more broadly.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all research and innovation activities carried out by or on behalf of RITE, including activities within nationally and EU-funded projects. It covers members of the Board, staff, researchers, trainers, external experts, volunteers and interns engaged in the design, conduct, evaluation, reporting or dissemination of research.

3. Principles

RITE adheres to the fundamental principles of research integrity set out in the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA): reliability in ensuring the quality of research, reflected in the design, methodology, analysis and use of resources; honesty in developing, undertaking, reviewing, reporting and communicating research in a transparent, fair and unbiased way; respect for colleagues, research participants, society, ecosystems, cultural heritage and the environment; and accountability for the research from idea to publication, for its management, and for its wider impacts.

4. Good Research Practice

Researchers at RITE design studies with appropriate and clearly documented methodologies; keep accurate, complete and secure records of research activities and data; manage research data responsibly, ensuring its accuracy, security and appropriate retention, and making it as open as possible and as closed as necessary, in line with funder requirements; report results honestly, without selective presentation designed to mislead; attribute authorship on the basis of genuine intellectual contribution, acknowledge the contributions of others fairly, and cite sources properly; and disclose any conflicts of interest affecting research activities, in accordance with RITE’s Anti-Corruption and Conflict of Interest Policy. Where artificial intelligence tools are used in the research process, their use is disclosed transparently and researchers remain fully accountable for the resulting content.

5. Research Involving Human Participants

Where research involves human participants, RITE ensures that participation is voluntary and based on free, informed and documented consent; that participants receive clear information about the purpose of the research, what participation involves, how their data will be used, and their right to withdraw at any time without consequence; that privacy, anonymity and confidentiality are protected and personal data is processed in accordance with the GDPR and RITE’s GDPR Privacy Notice; and that data collection is limited to what is necessary for the research purpose.

Research involving children is conducted only with the consent of parents or legal guardians and, where appropriate, the assent of the child, in full compliance with RITE’s Child Protection Policy. Research involving vulnerable groups applies reinforced safeguards, placing the best interest, dignity and wellbeing of participants above research objectives, in line with the ethical safeguards set out in RITE’s Gender Equality Plan.

6. Research Misconduct and Unacceptable Practices

RITE does not tolerate research misconduct, defined as fabrication (making up results and recording them as if they were real), falsification (manipulating research materials, processes or data, or omitting data or results without justification), and plagiarism (using other people’s work or ideas without appropriate credit). Other unacceptable practices include, among others, the manipulation of authorship, duplicate publication presented as original, the withholding of research results without justification, the misrepresentation of qualifications or achievements, the undisclosed use of artificial intelligence to generate research content, and the misuse of research funds.

7. Ethics Review

Before the start of any research activity, the responsible project team conducts an ethics self-assessment identifying whether the activity involves human participants, personal data, children or vulnerable groups, or other ethically sensitive elements, and defining the safeguards to be applied. Activities raising significant ethical issues are referred to the Director, who may seek external ethics expertise. For EU-funded projects, RITE complies fully with the ethics requirements of the relevant programme, including the ethics review and reporting obligations of Horizon Europe.

8. Handling of Allegations

Any person may report a suspected breach of this policy, confidentially, to the Director of RITE or, where the concern involves the Director, to the Board. Allegations are examined promptly, fairly and impartially, respecting the confidentiality of all involved and the presumption of innocence. No retaliation against persons reporting in good faith is tolerated, consistent with the reporting protections set out in RITE’s Anti-Corruption and Conflict of Interest Policy. Substantiated breaches result in proportionate consequences, which may include disciplinary action, correction or retraction of research outputs, termination of contracts, and notification of funders or competent authorities where required.

9. Training and Awareness

This policy is presented to all new members of the RITE team upon induction. Researchers receive periodic guidance on research integrity, research data management and the ethical conduct of research involving human participants.

10. Governance and Review

The Board of Directors of RITE owns this policy. The Director is responsible for its implementation and for the handling of ethics referrals and allegations. The policy is reviewed at least every two years, or earlier where changes in legislation, funder requirements or the organisation’s research activities so require.

11. Related Documents

This policy operates alongside RITE’s Ethics Strategy, GDPR Privacy Notice, Child Protection Policy, Gender Equality Plan, Anti-Corruption and Conflict of Interest Policy and Environmental Sustainability Policy.

Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE)Filona 7, Strovolos, 2036 Nicosia, Cyprus Email: info@ritecy.org