Journal article 206 views 23 downloads
Responsible research impact: Ethics for making a difference
,
Mark S. Reed,
James Daybell,
Louise Rutt,
Aaron M. Jensen ,
Gabriella Arrigoni,
Marta Ballesteros ,
Sadiq Bhanbhro ,
Bethann G. Merkle ,
Caitlin Hafferty,
Philly Iglehart ,
Sawsan Khuri,
Andrzej Klimczuk ,
Ian D. Marder ,
Daniel Milosavljevic ,
Josmel Pacheco-Mendoza ,
Ursula Pool ,
Simon Robinson ,
Lindsay C. Stringer,
Steve Taylor,
Anne H. Toomey,
Daniela Martin ,
Lisa Louise Taylor-Sayles,
Andrew N. Makohon-George ,
Russell T. Rodrigo
Open Research Europe, Volume: 5, Start page: 92
Swansea University Author:
Simon Robinson
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© 2025 Jensen EA et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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DOI (Published version): 10.12688/openreseurope.19649.1
Abstract
The need for ethical guidelines that support and empower researchers who aim to enhance the societal impact of research has become critical. Recognizing the growing emphasis on research impact by governments and funding bodies worldwide, this article investigates the often overlooked ethical dimensi...
| Published in: | Open Research Europe |
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| ISSN: | 2732-5121 |
| Published: |
F1000 Research Ltd
2025
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69402 |
| Abstract: |
The need for ethical guidelines that support and empower researchers who aim to enhance the societal impact of research has become critical. Recognizing the growing emphasis on research impact by governments and funding bodies worldwide, this article investigates the often overlooked ethical dimensions of generating and evaluating research impact. We focus on ethical issues and practices that are specific to the process of intentionally working to develop societal impacts from research. We highlight the complexities and ethical dilemmas encountered when researchers engage with non-academic groups, such as policymakers, industries, and local communities. Through a combination of literature review and insights from participatory workshops, the article identifies key issues and offers a new ethical framework for responsible research impact. This framework aims to guide researchers and institutions through the process of limiting potential harm while delivering societal benefits in a way that is realistic and balanced. The aim is to establish ethical practices for engagement and impact, without making the process so onerous that researchers are less likely to undertake such activities. The article concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers, research funders, research performing organizations, institutional review boards and/or ethics committees, and individual researchers. Making use of such recommendations can foster an ethically responsible approach to research impact across academic disciplines. |
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| Item Description: |
Letter |
| Keywords: |
ethical guidelines, research ethics, research integrity, public engagement, research impact, policy engagement, stakeholder analysis, community engagement |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nos 101056848 (Upgrading knowledge and solutions to fast-track wetland restoration across Europe [WET HORIZONS]); 101132694 (Creating an Inclusive European Citizens’ Assembly [EU-CIEMBLY]); 101111933 (HYdrogen Public Opinion and accePtance [HYPOP]); 101177493 (Rare earth and magnets hub for a resilient Europe [REMHub]). This research was also funded by Plymouth University’s Arts and Humanities Research Council Impact Accelerator Account (grant number: AH/X003124/1), in-kind support from the Institute for Methods Innovation. BGM’s work on this research was partly supported by the Global Perspectives fund from the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station. |
| Start Page: |
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