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Ethics and society review: Ethics reflection as a precondition to research funding

Author

Listed:
  • Michael S. Bernstein

    (a Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305;)

  • Margaret Levi

    (b Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305;; c Department of Political Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305;)

  • David Magnus

    (d Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305;)

  • Betsy A. Rajala

    (b Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305;)

  • Debra Satz

    (e Department of Philosophy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305)

  • Charla Waeiss

    (b Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305;)

Abstract

Research fields that hold transformative possibilities for improving the human condition also raise risks of negative ethical and societal outcomes. These ethical and societal risks fall outside the purview of most research reviews. We introduce an iterative review process that draws these fields into reflection and mitigation of ethical and societal risks by conditioning access to grant funding on completion of the process. A 1-y evaluation of our approach with an artificial intelligence funding program at our university suggests that this approach is well-received by researchers and positively influenced the design of their research. This process has also generated lists of common risks and mitigation strategies, to provide scaffolding for future processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael S. Bernstein & Margaret Levi & David Magnus & Betsy A. Rajala & Debra Satz & Charla Waeiss, 2021. "Ethics and society review: Ethics reflection as a precondition to research funding," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118(52), pages 1-1, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:118:y:2021:p:e2117261118
    DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117261118
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