Keys and Ethical Guidelines for Researchers to Engage in Public Advocacy, Without Being Regarded as an Activist

Public advocacy, i.e. the normative public intervention by a researcher drawing authority from their scientific position, raises multiple questions about the fine line between legitimate engagement and perceived activism. Drawing on a CNRS Ethics Committee opinion published recently (COMETS 2023-44), we propose guidelines emphasizing freedom of choice, the explicit acknowledgment of values, and the maintenance of scientific rigor, transparency, and integrity. We argue that advocacy should remain an individual choice, and that researchers must take responsibility for the weight of their public statements, ensuring clarity about their role, expertise, and potential conflicts of interest. Ultimately, safeguarding both freedom of expression and public trust in science requires researchers and institutions to promote responsible advocacy without policing or suppressing it.