Code of Ethics

1. Purpose and scope

This Code sets out the standards of conduct that apply at Solo Lattices Company Ltd. It applies to our directors, employees and contractors, and to anyone who acts on our behalf. We expect our partners and suppliers to follow equivalent standards.

The Code does not replace the law. When the law sets a stricter standard, the law applies. When this Code is stricter, the Code applies.

2. Our principles

• Integrity. We tell the truth about our products, our results and our capabilities.
• Safety first. When our work affects patients or end users, their safety comes before commercial interest.
• Scientific honesty. We report data as it is, including results that do not favour us.
• Respect. We treat colleagues, partners, clients and patients with dignity.
• Accountability. We take responsibility for our decisions and correct our mistakes openly.

3. Anti-bribery and corruption

We do not offer, promise, give, request or accept bribes, facilitation payments or any improper advantage, directly or through third parties. This applies in dealings with public officials and with private parties. We comply with the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 and equivalent laws in every country where we work.

Gifts and hospitality are acceptable only when they are modest, infrequent, transparent and not intended to influence a decision. Any gift or hospitality above a nominal value is recorded. We do not offer gifts or hospitality to officials involved in evaluating, awarding or monitoring a grant or contract with us.

4. Conflicts of interest

A conflict of interest arises when a personal, financial, academic or family interest could affect, or appear to affect, a person's judgement on behalf of the company.

• Every director, employee and contractor declares any actual or potential conflict as soon as they become aware of it.
• The company keeps a register of declared interests, including academic, clinical and business positions held by directors.
• A person with a conflict does not take part in the related decision.
• In collaborative projects, when a director also holds a position at a partner organisation, that dual role is disclosed to the consortium and to the funding body when required, and decisions on budget, subcontracting or evaluation involving both organisations are taken by persons without the conflict.

5. Research integrity

We follow the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA, revised edition 2023).

• We design, conduct and report research honestly. We do not fabricate, falsify or selectively omit data.
• Authorship reflects real contribution. We acknowledge the work of others and cite our sources.
• Research involving human participants or their data requires approval from a recognised research ethics committee and informed consent. It follows the Declaration of Helsinki and the GDPR.
• We keep research data in a way that allows results to be verified, and we share data and publications openly where our agreements with partners and the protection of participants allow.
• We disclose funding sources and relevant interests in publications and presentations.

6. Responsible artificial intelligence

We develop and use AI tools, including tools that assist in preparing funding proposals and software intended for health applications.

• Human oversight. AI outputs support human decisions and do not replace them. A qualified person reviews outputs before they are used in a clinical, regulatory or contractual context.
• Transparency. We tell users when content has been generated or assisted by AI and explain the limits of our tools.
• Data. We do not use clients' confidential material to train models without their explicit written consent.
• Honesty in funding proposals. When we help clients prepare funding proposals, we do not fabricate data, results, references, letters of support or partner commitments. The applicant remains responsible for the accuracy of its proposal.
• Regulation. We assess each AI system against the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and apply the obligations that correspond to its risk category.

7. Medical devices and patient safety

• Products intended for medical use are developed with a documented risk management process and in line with the EU Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 before being placed on the market.
• We make only those clinical claims that are supported by evidence.
• We report incidents and safety concerns to the competent authorities as the law requires, and we act on feedback from clinicians and patients.
• Patient data is processed only for defined purposes, with the minimum data needed and appropriate security.

8. Use of public funds

Public funding is money entrusted to us by citizens. When we receive it, including under Horizon Europe:

• We use funds only for the purposes set out in the grant agreement.
• Our technical and financial reports are accurate and complete, and supported by records.
• We do not seek or accept double funding for the same costs or activities.
• We cooperate fully with checks, reviews and audits by the European Commission, its executive agencies, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Court of Auditors.
• A person who acts as an expert evaluator for a funding programme does not take part in the evaluation of any proposal in which Solo Lattices or its clients are involved.

9. Data protection and confidentiality

We comply with the GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Acts. We protect the confidential information and intellectual property of our clients and partners, and we use it only for the purposes for which it was shared. Health data receives the additional protection that applies to special categories of personal data.

10. Fair dealing

We compete fairly and comply with competition law. Our marketing is accurate: performance figures are stated with their context and limits. We respect the intellectual property of others.

11. People and workplace

We provide a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. Decisions on hiring, pay and promotion are based on merit. We comply with health and safety legislation and support a healthy balance between work and personal life.

12. Human rights and supply chain

We respect internationally recognised human rights. We expect our suppliers and partners to do the same and will review any relationship where we find evidence of serious breaches.

13. Raising concerns

Anyone who suspects a breach of this Code or of the law can raise it with any director or by writing to admin@sololattices.com. Concerns are treated confidentially and investigated fairly. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Workers are also protected under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, as amended.

14. Breaches and review

Breaches of this Code may lead to disciplinary action, termination of contracts and, where appropriate, referral to the competent authorities. The Board of Directors reviews this Code at least once a year and publishes the current version on this website. See also our ESG Statement.