Ethical Challenges of Research

Ethical Challenges of Research Program

The purpose of this program is to discuss what the responsible conduct of research involves. The program is comprised of two parts: an introduction session offered every month and special topics offered every other month. The introductory session and special topics use a combination of small and large group discussions to foster effective communication and resolve problems.

Contemporary researchers face a variety of challenges, such as reduced federal funding, increasing publication pressures, controversies over conflicts of interest, high profile suspensions of clinical trials, and growing public scrutiny of research methods and outcomes. Success in research and professional development requires awareness of these challenges. It also requires skill in managing them and excellent communication. While professional codes of conduct and principles of responsible conduct of research offer some guidance, they may leave trainees unclear how to proceed in real world disputes or “gray areas.” To address these concerns, the UC San Diego Research Ethics Program and the Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs have collaborated to bring UC San Diego postdoctoral scholars the Ethical Challenges of Research Program. The purpose of this program is to discuss what the responsible conduct of research involves. The program is comprised of two parts: an introduction session offered every month and special topics offered every other month. The introductory session and special topics use a combination of small and large group discussions to foster effective communication and resolve problems.

Completion of the introduction session with three additional special topic sessions (2 hours each) in the Ethical Challenges series OR the Scientific Ethics course offered through the campus Research Ethics Program (ethics.ucsd.edu) will result in a certificate of training, which may be necessary for various postdoctoral funding sources, such as by NIH training and career development awards or NSF.

Postdoctoral scholars are strongly encouraged to complete the certification as part of their research training and education.

Introduction Sessions

Instructors: Camille Nebeker, EdD, MS & Barton Palmer, PhD, Research Ethics Program
Courses offered from 11am – 1 pm the second Wednesday of every other month. Find upcoming offerings and register on the OPSA events calendar or in UC Learning.
All sessions will be held in person on the UCSD campus unless otherwise indicated.

Register: ECR: Intro

Special Topic Sessions

Instructors: Research Ethics Program Faculty
Course offered from 11am-1 pm the second Wednesday of every other month.
All sessions will be held by Zoom unless otherwise indicated.

Rigor and Reproducibility
Recently, it has become disturbingly clear that much of published science may not be reproducible. The problem is not so much one of research misconduct, but rather departures from good practices of science. This workshop will first consider the scope of the problem: How often is research not reproducible? Does it depend on field? What are the personal experiences of the participants in the workshop? Then, we will turn to practical questions of why research is often not reproducible and what should be done about this challenge. Our discussion will touch on topics such as authorship, collaboration, data management, mentoring, peer review, and social responsibility. Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Register in UC Learning Presented by Mary Devereaux, PhD
Conversational AI and Associated Ethical, Legal and Social Implications for Researchers
Large multimodal language models are being used by researchers to, for example, summarize literature, identify research gaps, and write computer code. It may not be long before the technology can be used to do most everything that researchers do including designing experiments, writing manuscripts and conducting peer review. While exciting, there are important ethical, legal and social implications that must be considered when using this technology. This workshop will present the possible benefits as well as risks that researchers should consider when using tools like ChatGPT. Pathways for risk mitigation will also be explored. Date: April 10, 2024 Register in UC Learning Presented by Camille Nebeker, EdD
Responsible Authorship and Publication
Science is inevitably a collaborative enterprise. As investigators tackle larger and more complex problems, research teams have grown increasingly inter-disciplinary, involving experts with varying backgrounds and sometimes-competing expectations. Collaborations involving multiple labs and/or institutions in different countries exacerbate the challenges of effective cooperation. Even collaborators within a given lab often confront thorny issues when it comes to assigning fair credit and authorship. This workshop aims to engage participants in identifying and analyzing problems in scientific collaboration. The ultimate end involves developing effective strategies for managing (or avoiding!) conflicts. This is an interactive workshop using case studies and participant experiences. Date: June 12, 2024 Register in UC Learning Presented by Camille Nebeker, EdD and Barton Palmer, PhD
Data Alchemy: Transforming Research through Understanding and Applying Effective Data Management and Sharing
Effective data management and sharing is vital for research impact and reproducibility. In this workshop, we will consider compliance requirements set by funders and publishers for making data publicly available. We will also evaluate factors to consider when selecting the right data repository, including accessibility, data preservation, security, and discipline-specific needs. Tips and guidance on creating a data management and sharing plan (DMSP) that aligns with institutional, funder, and publisher requirements will also be discussed. Gain an understanding of how to manage and share your research data effectively and utilize University of California's support resources. Date: August 14, 2024 Register in UC Learning Presented by David Minor and Reid Otsuji
The Ethical Duty to Communicate
Effective research depends on teamwork, and teamwork can only happen when there is open and ongoing communication between all members of a lab. This course will examine common communication pitfalls, how they impact lab cohesion, and will suggest that there is an ethical duty to communicate with each other, even when it is difficult. We will explore strategies to help enhance communication and build better ways of engaging in constructive, not destructive, conflict. “Science is a communal enterprise; both science and society are best served by collegiality and open collaboration” - Michael Kalichman Date: October 9, 2024 Register in UC Learning Presented by John Armijo, JD and Nicholas Raichart, JD
Mentor/Mentee Relationships and Responsibilities
This interactive Ethical Challenges of Research session will focus on elements of a successful mentor-mentee relationship. The mentoring of a less experienced researcher is an important responsibility of all scientist. Mentors are one pathway for mentees to learn about the responsible conduct of research and associated ethical, legal and social implications. The success of a mentor/mentee partnership is dependent on awareness of expectations, transparent communications and recognition and management of power dynamics. Date: December 11, 2024 Register in UC Learning Presented by Barton Palmer, PhD

Dates and location are subject to change.

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Calendar of Events

View upcoming events, opportunities, and resources.

View the Calendar here