In this paper, we take the first step towards the creation of a set of ESSE guidelines by familiarizing the major stakeholder groups in ESSE research (researchers, sponsors, and potential subjects) with the basic elements and standards of research ethics. We begin with a discussion of how and why research ethics is important and relevant to those involved in ESSE research. We then point out that existing codes of ethics, though relevant, are not directly applicable to ESSE research. Therefore, we use the codes to identify four core research ethics principles and subsequently illustrate these principles with real ESSE research projects.