ENERI
European Network of Research Ethics and Research Integrity
Objectives
The “European Network of Research Ethics and Research Integrity” (ENERI) establishes an operable platform of actors in the fields of research ethics and research integrity. The fields of research ethics and research integrity combine general ethical reflections, ethics and law as academic disciplines addressing research activities, moral attitudes of researchers, normative policies of stakeholders like sponsors or funding organizations, and various ethical expectations of the civil society.
ENERI is based on existing networks, projects and infrastructures that already initiated and devel-oped important steps in sharing information, training and capacity building. Research ethics com-mittees, review boards, ombudspersons’ offices, research integrity offices and supporting struc-tures are the established bodies monitoring, accompanying and assisting the process of responsible and justifiable research. Therefore the European Network of Research Integrity Offices (ENRIO) and the European Network of Research Ethics Committees (EUREC) mutually initiated ENERI in col-laborations with experts in academic research ethics (RE) and responsible research and innovation (RRI), practitioners in training and education in research ethics, and specialists in e-communication and database design.
Outputs
- Sharing experiences: communication and exchange
- Improving competence: training and capacity building
- Ensuring awareness: indicators of effectiveness and certification
- Enhancing interaction: harmonisation and synergies
Key project results/activities for RECs and ethics experts
The ENERI (European Network of Research Ethics and Research Integrity) project recognises the interconnectedness of research ethics and integrity. While research ethics emphasises the application of ethical principles across diverse fields of study, research integrity calls for conducting research within legal and professional frameworks.
ENERI's e-Community serves as a vital network for all RE and RI experts, facilitating meaningful exchanges and collaboration. The ENERI decision tree assists researchers, RECs, and Research Integrity Offices (RIOs) in contemplating ethical issues throughout the research process. By providing guidelines, codes, and references tailored to various research areas, the decision tree aids users in navigating ethical reflections efficiently.
The project's exploration of expertise and competencies within the realms of research ethics and integrity within D1.3 “Report of midterm Consensus Conferences,” D6.1 “Pilot set of Indicators and Criteria for Certification,” and D6.2 “Evaluation Report on Pilot Set of Indicators” sheds light on the diverse dimensions of ethical considerations. These reports reveal the need for an inclusive, diverse, and transparent approach to defining expertise. The delineation of competences, such as ethical, integrity, legal, and assessment skills, serves as a valuable guide for RECs in evaluating the qualifications of committee members.
The Boot Camp prototype for RECs, outlined in D2.4, provides a hands-on approach, using case studies and active group discussions to pilot-test materials. This prototype addresses the need for initial training, particularly in areas where established training schemes are currently lacking, such as for ethics committees in the humanities and social sciences. By contributing to the development of training modules, ENERI enhances the capabilities of RECs in navigating the ethical landscape of various research areas.
The ENERI e-manual serves as a dynamic resource, encouraging engagement and critical thinking around research ethics and integrity. By avoiding technocratic instructions, the manual aims to promote deliberation on ethical issues rather than imposing a harmonised perspective. The exploration of the concept of “ethics” in research ethics, as presented in the manual, delves into the complexities of defining and handling ethics within the context of RECs, raising questions about the nature of ethics, the authority of ethics committees, and the challenges posed by different ethical theories.
Duration
September 2016 - October 2019
Website
Cordis Entry
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
