Ethics in Science

In this workshop, we will explore the fundamental questions of scientific ethics and discuss issues such as: How and where do values influence scientific processes? Is ‘value-free science’ even possible – or indeed desirable? What role should social and ethical values play in scientific decision-making? How can we deal responsibly with conflicting objectives and uncertainties?

It becomes clear that values not only guide the choice of research topics, but also influence study designs, the interpretation of data and the use of knowledge. At the same time, it is evident that scientific decisions are always linked to societal consequences and therefore cannot be made in isolation from ethical considerations.

In the second part of the workshop, we apply these considerations in practice: in preparation for the Scimpact Ethics Award, participants develop initial ideas for their video. In doing so, they reflect on their personal values, potential conflicts of interest and the societal relevance of their research.

The aim of the workshop is to develop a deeper understanding of how values permeate academic practice, to reflect on one’s own role as a researcher at the intersection of academia and society, to deal more sensitively with ethical issues and conflicting objectives, and to develop initial concrete ideas for a submission to the Ethics Award.

Please register by 17 April via Slack or by emailing Sarah Evison.

The workshop is free for Scimpact Fellows and Reatch members. Anyone interested can take out a Reatch membership for CHF 30 (for students) or CHF 70 and take part in the workshop.