Ethical Rresearch Journey Guide

Embedding new norms Enabling ethical solutions in global challenges research Ethics is relevant across the entire research journey, and beyond – from idea to legacy. Policies and practices need to reflect this. Ethical solutions: • are designed to encourage social equity and thriving, sustainable communities • can be found in many places • are built on shared humanitarian and communitarian values • take the whole research journey into account, including research legacy • should be aligned with essential principles and relevant regulation • are enabled through collaboration, reflective practice and openness to innovation • are mindful of the impact of power differentials on research agendas, processes and reporting • are supported by institutional processes and ongoing support • may require that we (and our partners) are prepared to ‘take the long road’. ARE THESE NORMS PART OF MY PRACTICE AND INSTITUTION? In complex research things may deviate from the initial plan. Our ethics approval processes should therefore be reiterative – not a one-off approval process with no follow-up. ARE THESE NORMS REALLY NEW? Historically, these norms have not been strongly reflected in how global research has been framed and supported in academic institutions, especially those operating with a ‘Western’ framework. Given the priority placed on relationships, interconnectedness, context and accountability, it is likely these norms will feel familiar to many communities and participants invited to contribute to global research. Researchers are encouraged to speak up when confronted with ethical challenges and to reach out and seek support from peers in the global academic village. We must expect the reporting of changes and challenges within the research and actively support solution-finding. Ethics is contextual as well as being bound by regulation and legislation. Robust ethical application processes are those that highlight potential contextual issues and regulatory conflicts. Robust ethics processes must have both an approval and a support component. Accountability for complex projects should include: • Independent review of all projects (not signed off by PI or supervisor) • A process for reporting on, and sharing, challenges encountered and solutions reached (for both enhanced accountability and to promote a culture of learning) Support may include access to a peer support person or reference group – i.e. a non-decision making body/person to provide collegial ethics support to global researchers and partners. Ethics in global challenges research is not: • adopting and following a standardised process or rigid procedure • a ‘one time’ action (e.g. completing a form or an approval process) • driven primarily by funding decisions or political agendas • conducted in isolation from the communities involved or imposed on groups. A guide for researchers, practitioners and others who enable research in complex, low income or fragile settings An Ethical Research Journey What will enable sustained ethical action in global research? Global research projects present unique challenges. They are dependant upon the development of successful interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations, including those with stakeholder groups who may be vulnerable or marginalised. Doing Ethical Global Research Together This project exists to strengthen how we lead, support and enable ethical action in global research. The project promotes a values-driven, solutionfocussed and iterative approach to ethics. It seeks to illuminate and address existing and emerging issues in a rapidly changing landscape of expectations about ethical research conduct. In collaboration with a global network, we identify key issues and solutions in order to develop practical tools and guides to support people involved in global challenges research. A living document shaped by the global academic community More than 200 researchers, practitioners and others involved in global research contributed to this guide through a series of roundtable events at the University of Edinburgh and feedback events in 16 countries. This included representation from over 30 countries, more than 60 disciplines in 45 universities and 11 other institutions. These rich and intensive conversations inspired and shaped the development of this resource. Research impacts lives. Ethical global research is compassionate and accountable in equal measure. Ethical challenges are not always obvious and finding solutions can be challenging. Partnerships can be strengthened when this work is undertaken together. There is often more than one ethical solution to the same problem. Sometimes it is a question of choosing ‘the most ethical, albeit, imperfect, option, for now’. Both challenges and solutions exist in a dynamic interplay – what works this time may not work next time – our solutions need to be responsive to unfolding circumstances. Openness to new ideas can drive innovation at unexpected moments. Often creative solutions can be ethical solutions. INSIDE: Infographic BACK COVER: Embedding the new norms in our practice and institutions An Ethical Research Journey Strengthening how we work in complex and fragile settings to enable ethical actions and outcomes. Ethical considerations are relevant at every stage of a research journey. 9 Global researchers* have identified a range of ethical issues that can emerge. These have been distilled into key questions to guide us in our day-to-day decision-making and action (see italics). Writing Up To whom and for whom do we write? How can our paper be interpreted and used? Ethics as Project Develops and Data Collection Ends Ethics in Data Analysis and Interpretation 8 Ethics in Legacy, Impact and Future-proofing The learning insights and long-term impact of any study. What are we doing to ensure positive impacts of our project are sustained, and any potential negative impacts are mitigated? Ethics in Translation to Practice Research findings shaping the work of relevant sectors including policy makers, practitioners and communities. Every project needs to evolve and adapt and may need further ethical approval from our institution(s). Making meaning of the data that has been gathered. What and who will help us translate research to effectively shape policy and practice in different global contexts? What issues are emerging and how do we need to adapt to ensure ethical outcomes? Who is leading data analysis? What measures are we taking to control biases? 11 Application for Ethical Approval and Relevant Regulation 5 Ethics at Interconnected Threads Where ethical challenges and dilemmas emerge. Where solutions can be found. Different Stages of Data Collection Field, experiment or laboratory work starts; data integrity and fidelity are evaluated. Do our data collection processes present any potential risk or discomfort for participants or end users, or for researchers or partners? These interdependent threads weave through all stages of research. To understand dilemmas and find ethical solutions, we need to reflect on these strands in multi-dimensional ways. Guiding Principles and Values Formal process of peer review to assess the ethical and regulatory implications of the chosen research question and methodology. What needs to be included in our ethics application to ensure ethical risks, opportunities, responses and accountabilities, are fully described? What other regulations are relevant? 6 Ethics in PLACE Proposal Development Ethics in What will work in this context? 1 PEOPLE What will help us bring our best and draw in the support we need? What do we need to follow or challenge in established ways of working? Enabling research findings to reach a wider audience. How can we share research findings in ways that honour everyone involved and have a positive impact? Distilling the research methodology and findings for accountability and impact. The four Ps PRECEDENT Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination 7 The research journey is neither linear nor predictable. Many academically-driven projects share a similar pattern, though the order of stages could be different. Revisiting previous stages is often required. This illustration has been developed to prompt our reflection on different aspects of a research journey and consider what is most relevant to our work. What worldview and values will best guide us? 10 Ethics in HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE TO ETHICAL ACTION? WHAT’S MY PLAN? PRINCIPLES 12 Ethics in Research Questions Distilling the research idea: the area of investigation that will generate deeper knowledge and understanding. What harm could this research question bring? What benefits could be enabled? 0 Ethics in Research Culture The pre-existing institutional and personal worldviews that shape our priorities and how we orient ourselves to the research. What are the different research cultures in this project? How will they interact? 2 Activity to formalise the research and how it will be resourced (e.g. exploring partnerships, grant applications etc) 4 What ethical issues are being triggered by how the project is being structured and resourced? Team Development As an interdisciplinary team, how can we explore our own ethical positions and the inherent tensions/difficulties we are likely to encounter in this project? DO NO HARMº Recognise the gravity and ethical implications of doing harm. We are interconnected. Harm to people animals, plants and the environment – even unintended – affects individuals, communities and planetary wellbeing. ENABLE FLOURISHING Enable necessary and urgently needed change. CONNECT: PEOPLE AND PLANET FIRST Ethics in Identifying and equipping the people who are leading the work. A compass to guide ethical action – especially in new and unique situations. Ethics in Partnership Development Involving different groups and agencies in order to advance the project and enable engagement in different contexts. What will help us establish and sustain a collaborative culture in our partnership? 3 Invest in relationships – recognise they are the heart of research – listening carefully, being trustworthy, transparent and accountable, and behaving honourably, including in relation to the earth’s resources. BE AWARE BE BRAVE BE SAFE Be able to identify and respond vigilantly to ethical challenges, being alert to safety considerations. INVEST IN OUR OWN LEARNING Be self-aware and actively strengthen interpersonal skills and reflective practice. CONTEXT AND COMPASSION Always work in a contextually appropriate compassionate way. COMMITMENT Be reflective, accountable and persistent, particularly when faced with challenges. ºWhere scientific and clinical research involves animals rigorous regulatory controls must be adhered to to examine likely harms and benefits before proceeding. All Research is subject to country specific national regulation.