In IQS we act with scientific and intellectual rigour, with seriousness and objectivity. The process does not admit the slightest suspicion of double standards, always guaranteeing maximum impartiality and objectivity by experts.
When a doctor diagnoses a patient, they base their diagnosis on a set of observable and measurable facts, but also on speaking with the patient who may express certain symptoms that are not always visible. The doctor's opinion is objective and based on their expertise and professional experience. As patients, we may or may not like the diagnosis, but we have to accept the doctor's opinion.
The professors and researchers at IQS act in a similar fashion when a third party entrusts us to conduct an expert report, such as identifying the possible causes of an accident, for example. We act with scientific and intellectual rigour, seriously and objectively. The process must not allow for even the slightest suspicion of a double standard.
We conduct detailed and compete studies based on analysing the information available, the measurable facts, the observed situations, identifying other sources of information that can provide more data, imagining ourselves in the scenario and thinking of several hypotheses that could have happened. Our experts aim to be neutral, impartial, and open-minded. Then they apply their expertise and experience beyond what seems trivial and obvious. No small detail can be overlooked. We strive to go to the heart of the matter, identify the what and the why, considering all hypotheses and weighing up each and every one of the different possibilities.
That's when we are capable of assessing the facts and evaluating different hypotheses. This research often leads us to conclusions that may be definitive and leave no room for doubt. Other times, the conclusions may not be unique, firm or unambiguous. In any case, we must always be especially careful in our statements, which must be backed by transparency, integrity and truthfulness.
IQS ensures that its experts carry out their tasks with the highest level of impartiality and objectivity, as our code of conduct dictates, and we act with seriousness, rigour and professionalism. Therefore, when a company hires the services of our experts, they do so convinced that we will follow our ethical code.
Dr Núria Vallmitjana
Director of IQS Tech Transfer