Toward a Collaborative Ethics of Research for Socio-Ecological Transformations

This project investigates the ethical challenges inherent in transformation-oriented research (TR), addressing complex socio-ecological issues like climate change and social inequalities. TR, characterised by normative orientations toward societal change, presents dilemmas such as balancing rigor and relevance, avoiding false neutrality, and addressing epistemic injustice. Despite a resurgence of peer principles and proposals for TR researchers’ skills, we argue for integrating ethical guidelines into researchers’ practical wisdom.

Leveraging a heuristic we developed for reflexive dialogues, the project engages TR researchers, particularly from non-Western contexts, in refining the heuristic. The goal is to translate it into practical use, increasing awareness of gaps and ethical dilemmas faced by TR researchers among university Research Ethics Boards (REBs). Project activities include crafting workshop materials, facilitating dialogue sessions to analyze ethical dilemmas, and developing a policy brief synthesising insights and best practices. The project initiates conversations with university REBs and stakeholders to adapt procedures, fostering ethical conduct in TR’s pursuit of just and sustainable futures.

Faculty Supervisor:

Blane Harvey

Student:

Partner:

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment; Education; Public Service, Policy, and Governance

University:

McGill University

Program: