Professors involved: Daniela Ovadia (University of Pavia); Fabio Turone and Alexandra Borissova (Center for ethics in science and journalism, Milan, Italy)

Course learning outcomes/abstract: Teaching research ethics and research communication at the doctoral level is mandatory in most European universities. The interdisciplinary course on Research Ethics and Research Communication for doctoral students at the University of Pavia was a pioneer in this field in Italy and is now in its 8th edition. The 2024-2025 course will be organized, like the previous edition, in collaboration with the Center for Ethics in Science and Journalism (CESJ, Milan, www.cesj.eu) and will involve lecturers from the EC2U Alliance (https://ec2u.eu/). 1 The course is open to doctoral students from all fields, from life sciences to humanities, from social sciences to hard sciences and engineering. The more diverse the audience, the richer the learning experience Syllabus: • The basic ethical concepts; from ethics to bioethics; codes of conduct; ethics in research in life sciences vs ethics in humanities and hard sciences. • Who evaluate ethics; informed consent, empowered citizen; the European Framework for Ethics of Research. • Ethical issues in EU Research: embryo and stem cells, vulnerable groups, tissues and cells property, environment, safety, AI, dual use and military research. • Publication ethics: authorship, publication models, Open access and the use of Artificial intelligence • Data management and GDPR • The role of universities in the ethics of research • Technology assessment and future studies; big data, social impact assessment of science • Science and racism, science and gender; the “cultures” of science. • Fraud and misconduct, researchers’ behaviors; courts and criminalization of research misconduct • Sexual harassment in science. • Science communication: roles and functions; the expert role and ethics • Citizen science and Scientific citizenship; Third Mission and the duty to communicate

Goals: This course in ethics of research and science communication aims to cultivate a sophisticated understanding of the ethical dimensions of scientific practice. Through the exploration of core ethical principles, misconduct, and responsible research practices, students will develop a robust ethical framework for conducting and communicating scientific work. The course will foster critical thinking about the societal impacts of research, the responsible use of data and statistics, and the challenges of communicating scientific findings accurately and ethically to diverse audiences. Beyond simply conveying established principles and guidelines, the course encourages students to develop a critical eye towards the very process of knowledge production. We will explore the “grey areas” of the scientific endeavor, where clear-cut answers may not exist, prompting reflection on the values and assumptions that underpin research. By examining cases of misconduct and questionable research practices, students will learn to identify potential pitfalls and develop strategies for ethical decision-making. Crucially, the course seeks to equip future researchers with the skills and tools necessary for self-audit and self-evaluation. Students will learn to critically assess the social impact of their research, considering its potential benefits and harms, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Ultimately, this course aims to foster a generation of researchers committed to responsible conduct, transparency, and public accountability in their scientific pursuits.

Number of hours and planning: 21 hours.

Period: Every Monday from March 3 to April 14 from 3 to 6 PM CET (7 lessons)

Delivery mode and location ( in presence, on line, ecc): The course will be held online at https://unipv-it.zoom.us/j/93878885075

Registration: https://forms.gle/ouYnXdjaPF8T5JNs8

Language: english

Evaluation criterial: 75% of attendance; final short essay on the lesson learnt

Credits (CFU): 5

Depliant