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Abstract

Scientific journals develop and enforce editorial guidelines that are a component of governing science. In this essay, the former editor-in-chief of Nature reflects on several prominent examples of how scientific journals have been involved in setting and judging ethical norms in scientific research. Editors, in consultation with external experts, can balance transparency and public trust, stakeholder engagement, inclusive consultation, and access to research to address concerns surrounding dual-use research, societal harms, and research integrity.

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