Implementing ethics in the professions: preparing guidelines on scientific communication for the Society for Neuroscience. Commentary on 'Implementing ethics in the professions: examples from environmental epidemiology' (Soskolne and Sieswerda).

In 1994, the governing council of the Society for Neuroscience was asked to make a brief statement on an issue regarding responsible conduct in publishing. The present article reviews how that initial request grew over the next four years into a lengthy document. Drawing on that experience, which was presided over by the author, comments are made about the potential impact of such guidelines, the lessons learned, and the proper role of professional societies in promoting responsible conduct in research.