Research Ethics
research ethics
10 “simple rules” for socially responsible science
Guidelines concerning the potentially harmful effects of scientific studies have historically focused on minimizing risk for participants. However, studies can also indirectly inflict harm on individuals and social groups through how they are designed, reported, and disseminated. As evidenced by recent criticisms and retractions of high-profile studies dealing with a wide variety of social issues, there is a scarcity of resources and guidance on how one can conduct research in a socially responsible manner. As such, even motivated researchers might publish work that has negative social impacts due to a lack of awareness. To address this, we proposed 10 recommendations (“simple rules”) for researchers who wish to conduct more socially responsible science. These recommendations cover major considerations throughout the life cycle of a study from inception to dissemination. They are not aimed to be a prescriptive list or a deterministic code of conduct. Rather, they are meant to help motivated scientists to reflect on their social responsibility as researchers and actively engage with the potential social impact of their research.
The history, future and ethics of self-experimentation
Modern day “neurohackers” are radically self-experimenting, attempting genomic modification with CRISPR-Cas9 constructs and electrode insertion into their cortex amongst a host of other things. Institutions wanting to avoid the risks bought on by these procedures, generally avoid involvement with self-experimenting research. Modern day “neurohackers” are radically self-experimenting, attempting genomic modification with CRISPR-Cas9 constructs and electrode insertion into their cortex amongst a host of other things. Institutions wanting to avoid the risks bought on by these procedures, generally avoid involvement with self-experimenting research. But what is the ethical thing to do? Should researchers be allowed or encouraged to self-experiment? Should institutions support or hinder them? Where do you think that this process of self-experimentation could take us? This presentation by Dr Matt Lennon and Professor Zoltan Molnar of the University of Oxford, will explore the history, future and ethics of self-experimentation. It will explore notable examples of self-experimenters including Isaac Newton, Angelo Ruffini and Oliver Sacks and how a number of these pivotal experiments created paradigm shifts in neuroscience. The presentation will open up a forum for all participants to be involved asking key ethical questions around what should and should not be allowed in self-experimentation research.