scholarly journals Ethical Issues in Research and Development of Epigenome-wide Technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 251686572091325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline M Bunnik ◽  
Marjolein Timmers ◽  
Ineke LLE Bolt
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Current Phase ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Expert Meeting ◽  
Innovation Approach ◽  
Responsible Research

To date, few scholarly discussions on ethical implications of epigenetics and epigenomics technologies have focused on the current phase of research and development, in which researchers are confronted with real and practical ethical dilemmas. In this article, a responsible research and innovation approach, using interviews and an expert meeting, is applied to a case of epigenomic test development for cervical cancer screening. This article provides an overview of ethical issues presently facing epigenomics researchers and test developers, and discusses 3 sets of issues in depth: (1) informed consent; (2) communication with donors and/or research participants, and (3) privacy and publication of data and research results. Although these issues are familiar to research ethics, some aspects are new and most require reinterpretation in the context of epigenomics technologies. With this article, we aim to start a discussion of the practical ethical issues rising in research and development of epigenomic technologies and to offer guidance for researchers working in the field of epigenetic and epigenomic technology.

scholarly journals The state of the responsible research and innovation programme

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-166
Author(s):  
George Inyila Ogoh ◽  
N. Ben Fairweather
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Responsible Research And Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Horizon Scanning ◽  
Responsible Research

Purpose Many of the ethical issues of additive manufacturing (AM) are not well known or understood, and there remains a policy vacuum that needs to be addressed. This paper aims to describe an approach that has been applied successfully to other emerging technologies, referred to as the responsible research and innovation (RRI) framework programme. A case is then made for the application of this approach in the AM industry with an illustration of how it might be used. Design/methodology/approach The research uses an RRI approach referred to as AREA, an acronym for Anticipate, Reflect, Engage and Act, to assess the ethical implications of AM. For the anticipation phase, horizon scanning was done to explore the ethical issues of AM based on extant literature, while reflective analysis was carried out all through the work to reflect on the data being collected and the research process. The engage phase involved interviews with five participants from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in 3D printing. Findings The findings indicate that although AM appears to pose a threat to intellectual property rights, many in the industry do not care about this issue. As AM becomes mainstream, intellectual property will likely become a big problem. Also, very little is known about the health impacts of AM. This study shows that AM can be hazardous. Research limitations/implications Only users at SME level were sampled. Other researchers might test the usefulness of AREA at the enterprise level. Practical implications The research demonstrates how the AREA framework may be useful in information systems and social science research by enabling a more anticipatory and reflective research process. Originality/value The paper responds to the need for a novel approach to identifying ethical issues of AM.

scholarly journals Societal impact of synthetic biology: responsible research and innovation (RRI)

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Gregorowius ◽  
Anna Deplazes-Zemp
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Responsible Research And Innovation ◽  
Societal Impact ◽  
Biotechnological Applications ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Responsible Research

Synthetic biology is an emerging field at the interface between biology and engineering, which has generated many expectations for beneficial biomedical and biotechnological applications. At the same time, however, it has also raised concerns about risks or the aim of producing new forms of living organisms. Researchers from different disciplines as well as policymakers and the general public have expressed the need for a form of technology assessment that not only deals with technical aspects, but also includes societal and ethical issues. A recent and very influential model of technology assessment that tries to implement these aims is known as RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation). In this paper, we introduce this model and its historical precursor strategies. Based on the societal and ethical issues which are presented in the current literature, we discuss challenges and opportunities of applying the RRI model for the assessment of synthetic biology.

scholarly journals Responsible Innovation for Life: Five Challenges Agriculture Offers for Responsible Innovation in Agriculture and Food, and the Necessity of an Ethics of Innovation

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 673-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Gremmen ◽  
Vincent Blok ◽  
Bernice Bovenkerk
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Ethics ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Responsible Innovation ◽  
Environmental Aspects ◽  
Agricultural Ethics ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Societal Challenges ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
Agriculture And Food ◽  
Responsible Research

Abstract In this special issue we will investigate, from the perspective of agricultural ethics (e.g. animal welfare, agricultural and food ethics, environmental ethics etc.) the potential to develop a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approach to agriculture, and the limitations to such an enterprise. RRI is an emerging field in the European research and innovation (R&I) policy context that aims to balance economic, socio-cultural and environmental aspects in innovation processes. Because technological innovations can contribute significantly to the solution of societal challenges like climate change or food security, but can also have negative societal consequences, it is assumed that social and ethical aspects should be considered during the R&I process. For this reason, the emerging concept of RRI calls for ethical reflection on the nature, scope and applicability of responsibility and innovation in innovation practices in general, and the way social–ethical issues can be applied and addressed in agriculture.

scholarly journals Is Humane Slaughter Possible?

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Browning ◽  
Walter Veit
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Animal Agriculture ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Animal Welfare Science ◽  
Pain And Suffering ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Deep Sense

One of the biggest ethical issues in animal agriculture is that of the welfare of animals at the end of their lives, during the process of slaughter. Much work in animal welfare science is focussed on finding humane ways to transport and slaughter animals, to minimise the harm done during this process. In this paper, we take a philosophical look at what it means to perform slaughter humanely, beyond simply reducing pain and suffering during the slaughter process. In particular, we will examine the issue of the harms of deprivation inflicted in ending life prematurely, as well as shape of life concerns and the ethical implications of inflicting these harms at the end of life, without the potential for future offsetting through positive experiences. We will argue that though these considerations may mean that no slaughter is in a deep sense truly ‘humane’, this should not undermine the importance of further research and development to ensure that while the practice continues, animal welfare harms are minimised as far as possible.

scholarly journals The “silence of the chips” concept: towards an ethics(-by-design) for IoT

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Caroline Rizza ◽  
Laura Draetta
Keyword(s):  
Social Issues ◽  
Human Agency ◽  
Position Paper ◽  
Responsible Innovation ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Innovation Approach ◽  
Responsible Research

In this position paper, we would like to promote the alternative approach positioned between the two extreme positions consisting in refusing any innovation or in adopting technology without questioning it. This approach proposes a reflexive and responsible innovation (von Schomberg, 2013; 2011; 2007) based on a compromise between industrial and economic potentialities and a common respect of our human rights and values. We argue that the “silence of the chips right” (Benhamou, 2012; 2009) is timely, relevant and sustainable to face ethical challenges raised by IoT such as protecting privacy, trust, social justice, autonomy or human agency. We believe this technical solution may support establishing an ethics of IoT embedded in the technology itself. Our position is not ‘technocratic’: we do not agree with discourses arguing technology can fix problems. Through the responsible research and innovation approach we promote the idea that only human agency and user empowerment constitute a valid answer to the ethical, legal and social issues raised by IoT.

scholarly journals Social Innovations in Educational Sciences: Analysis of Current Research and Policy Documents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alise Oļesika ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Responsible Research And Innovation ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Societal Needs ◽  
Innovation Approach ◽  
Responsible Research

The Guidelines for Science, Technology Development and Innovation for 2021–2027 developed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia focus on promoting research excellence and increasing the social and economic value of research. Considering the previously mentioned, higher education institutions’ goal is not only the transfer of knowledge but also the creation of economic and social value, which communicates to society through learning and research results. Social innovation as a driver of social change promotes societal openness and active participation in socio-economic processes. The introduction of new forms of social innovation as Responsible Research and Innovations (RRI) can bridge the gap between science and societal needs by engaging in social debate and policy decisions in society and fostering collaboration between scientists from different sectors. The study aims to analyze Social Innovation’s essence and the academic and administrative definitions and dimensions of the Responsible Research and Innovation approach. In order to achieve the aim of the study, a systematic literature analysis was performed. The study reveals the main features of Social Innovation and the perspective of Responsible Research and Innovation implementation in higher education in the institutional and processual dimensions.

scholarly journals Europe and psychiatric ethics

1995 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim van Os ◽  
Jan Neeleman
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
European Integration ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Psychiatric Service ◽  
Psychiatric Practice ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Major Adjustment

European Integration confronts both Individual psychiatrists and psychiatric service planners with ethical dilemmas that should best be dealt with proactively by medical and psychiatric organisations. Selected examples are presented of ethical Issues arising out of differences In psychiatric practice across Europe. Some of the ethical implications may seem relatively minor, but still require a major adjustment effort on the part of psychiatrists who are exposed to transcultural practice In the European Union. Other examples have been selected, not because they are common, but because of their massive ethical ramifications.

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