Quality and integrity policies at imec
ISO 9001
Imec wants to consistently deliver results that meet the demands and expectations of its current and future stakeholders.
For this purpose, we have implemented a structured and documented quality management system which is certified against the ISO 9001 standard.
This ISO 9001 certificate strengthens imec’s competitive position as an international research center and as a reliable partner.
Imec Belgium has an ISO 9001 certificate for the following activities: consulting, design, research, development, integration, characterization, prototyping and low-volume production. These activities apply to processes, systems and software in the field of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology.
This initial ISO 9001 certificate for the whole of imec Belgium was awarded by SGS in 1997. Since 2005, the audits have been done by Kiwa Belgium NV.
Good governance
Imec's Good Governance Charter prescribes a reasoned system of good governance, taking into account the specific mission and status of imec as a non-profit organization.
The charter is a guideline for a balanced, clear, and transparent distribution of authority and responsibility, outlining the processes of accountability and liability. The charter also contains a code of conduct for all employees of imec.
This charter strengthens the long-term development and growth of imec.
Download imec's Good Governance Charter here.
Research integrity
Research integrity is an integral part of imec's organizational culture.
- We are precise when conducting research and publishing results.
- We are cautious and act with foresight and precaution, not harming anyone.
- We are dependable, both in our scientific work and in our reporting, because third parties trust us.
- Our research is verifiable, allowing colleagues to follow our progress correctly.
- We conduct our research in an honest and autonomous way.
- We are impartial when conducting our research.
Imec’s policy on research integrity focuses on stimulating good research practices. The 'code of conduct' at European level is our reference framework.
Imec has installed a Commission on Scientific Integrity (CSI), which is responsible for imec's policy on research integrity. This Commission also deals with cases of possible research misconduct, such as plagiarism, falsification or fabrication of data. Click here for the procedure for dealing with research integrity problems.
Imec is also member of the Flemish Commission of Scientific Integrity (VCWI). People that are involved in cases of possible research misconduct can ask this commission for a second opinion, after the CSI of imec has come to a conclusion on that case.
Code of conduct for imec’s partners
Through its research and associated efforts, imec aims for the long-term perspective of a better life in a better society. To this end, imec works closely with partners such as suppliers, research partners and customers.
Imec holds itself to a standard of full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries where it operates, and we expect the same of our partners regardless of their physical location.
This Code of Conduct for imec’s partners describes imec’s values, mission, vision, and general ethical working principles. Imec believes that mutual respect for this Code of Conduct is a guarantee for building a trustworthy, fruitful, and professional collaboration between imec and its partners.
Whistleblower policy
We are committed to conduct our activities based on our corporate values of integrity, connectedness, passion and excellence, thereby respecting relevant laws and regulations. Those values define how we treat each other at imec, but also what behavior is expected from and towards our customers and partners, and towards the broader community. These values and expectations have been translated more explicitly in imec’s Code of Conduct for imec’s partners.
Despite this commitment, you may observe conduct that possibly violates a law or regulation, the Code of Conduct, or imec’s policies and procedures. If you observe or suspect any misconduct, you are strongly encouraged to raise your concern through the regular reporting lines or your contact person at imec. However, if this is not possible or if you don’t feel comfortable in doing so, you can use the Whistleblower channel. By doing so, you give imec the opportunity to correct or deal with the situation pro-actively. Any concerns reported will be treated confidentially and, if desired, anonymously and you will not be retaliated against for raising concerns in good faith about suspected misconduct.
The purpose of the Whistleblower policy is to explain when and how you can report a concern. It also describes what you may expect from imec and what steps will be taken after you report a concern.
Download imec's Whistleblower policy here.
Information security policy for suppliers
Imec is committed to delivering results that meet the demands and expectations of its current and future stakeholders. That includes protecting our and our partners' information and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Therefore, imec established a information security solicy for suppliers. It outlines the technical and organizational measures that imec's suppliers & third parties with access to imec's and its partners’ information must implement to protect that information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
This policy is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective and relevant. Any changes are communicated to our suppliers. They are responsible for ensuring that their employees have read and understood the requirements of this policy.
Responsible disclosure
Because we highly value the integrity and security of our data and systems, as well as those of our partners and customers, we allow security tests to identify potential vulnerabilities and share them with us, within certain limits set out in our responsible disclosure policy.
This policy, as well as the process used to manage disclosed security vulnerabilities, is detailed in the document linked below. Please read it carefully to know:
- the rules for discovering vulnerabilities systems managed by imec
- how to notify imec of a discovered vulnerability
- how imec will manage your notification and the discovered vulnerability
Supplier manual
Our suppliers play a crucial role in our efforts to drive innovation. To ensure that we achieve our joint objectives efficiently and consistently, imec has developed a clear framework for this collaboration.
The imec supplier manual offers clarity on our expectations towards our suppliers. It details our processes, particularly in procurement.
It fosters understanding of, and compliance with our policies. And therefore ensures the delivery of top-quality, safe, and reliable products and services.
