Research ethics and the social responsibility of science

Academia Raetica

This course provides and introduction into the principles of research ethics and the social responsibility of science. We will explore key topics such as academic integrity, the role of values in science, and the role of science as an institution in society. We will also examine the ethical responsibilities that come with conducting research.

A special focus will be placed on how to situate research projects within a broader societal context, and how to communicate scientific findings in ways that reflect ethical awareness and social relevance.

Course objective / learning goals

The course enables students to:

• understand the basic principles of moral reasoning in the context of scientific research and the importance of ethics in research;

• develop an understanding of the internal and external responsibilities of scientists and scientific institutions;

• apply concepts of research ethics to their individual research projects

• plan and conduct methodologically robust research taking into account these responsibilities; reflect on their role as scientists in society.

Schedule

This is a one-day block course. In the morning, we will engage with current literature from the philosophy of science and science ethics, examining how ethical and societal values influence the production of scientific knowledge.

In the afternoon, participants will engage in group work designed to encourage reflection on the ethical and societal dimensions of their own field of research and individual research projects.

Preparation

Participants will be required to do preparatory readings and assignments before the course (preparatory workload approx.12 hours). The readings and assignments will be made available approx. one month before the course.

Credits points

This training requires 8 hours of attendance and 22 hours of transfer work / homework. Please check with your supervisor at your university, if the course counts towards ECTS. The lecturer can task you with extra homework to increase the workload to 30 hours.

About the trainer

Karim Bschir holds an MA in biochemistry from the University of Zurich and a PhD in philosophy of science at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). His research and teaching focus on topics in the general philosophy of science, the history of philosophy of science, and themes related to the interplay between science and society. Integrating perspectives from the humanities and the natural sciences as well as discussing the interplay between science, technology and society is an important part of his teaching and research efforts. From 2019 to 2020, Karim worked as a scientific advisor for the Swiss Science Council, where he co-authored a report on the development of quantum technologies in Switzerland. He currently serves as Managing Director of the Ethics Committee and head of the Integrity Office at the University of St.Gallen. His research was supported by a Branco Weiss Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012-2017).

General information and fee

• Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM including breaks

• Location: Davos, TBA

• Lecturer: Dr. Karim Bschir

• Language: English

• Target audience: Early and mid-career researchers (PhD students and postdocs) from all disciplines.

• Course fee for participants from Academia Raetica member or partner institutions: CHF 100.

• External participants (not working at an Academia Raetica member or partner institution): CHF 150

• Registration deadline: August 15, 2025. You can cancel your participation free of charge until August 24, 2025. Please see our Terms of Participation for details.

• Max. number participants: 12 (min. number participants 6)

• Course certificate: You will receive a certificate of attendance, if you complete the workshop.

• Course Coordinator: Daniela Heinen, daniela.heinen@academiaraetica.ch, phone 081 410 60 84

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