Responsible research impact: Ethics for making a difference [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Responsible research impact: Ethics for making a difference [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

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...

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Main Authors: Eric Allen Jensen, James Daybell, Mark S. Reed, Aaron M. Jensen, Louise Rutt, Marta Ballesteros, Gabriella Arrigoni, Bethann G. Merkle, Sadiq Bhanbhro, Philly Iglehart, Caitlin Hafferty, Andrzej Klimczuk, Sawsan Khuri, Ursula Pool, Ian D. Marder, Josmel Pacheco-Mendoza, Daniel Milosavljevic, Lindsay C. Stringer, Simon Robinson, Anne H. Toomey, Steve Taylor, Lisa Louise Taylor-Sayles, Daniela Martin, Russell T. Rodrigo, Andrew N. Makohon-George
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2025-03-01
Series:Open Research Europe
Subjects:
ethical guidelines
research ethics
research integrity
public engagement
research impact
policy engagement
eng
Online Access:https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-92/v1
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Summary: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.
ISSN:2732-5121

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