March 3 - 7, 2025

2025 Research Ethics Week Events

University of Minnesota Efforts for Implementing Ethical Community-Based Research in Collaboration with Tribal Communities

PRESENTED BY THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, CENTER OF AMERICAN INDIAN AND MINORITY HEALTH (CAIMH)
February 27, 2025 – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Speakers: 

• Amanda Dionne, Assistant Director, CAIMH
• Mangan Golden, MA, Research Manager, CAIMH

In this presentation, we will introduce the Research Ethics Training for Health and Indigenous Communities (rETHICS) training curriculum and promising practices for engaging in research with Tribal Communities. An overview of the University of Minnesota Indigenous Research Policy and corresponding resources will also be provided. 

Contact Amanda Dionne ([email protected]) and Mangan Golden ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Warren Lecture - PFAS in North Carolina

PRESENTED BY THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING; CIVIL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND GEO-ENGINEERING
February 28, 2025 – 10:10 AM to 11:00 AM

Speaker: Detlef Knappe, Professor, North Carolina State University

Dr. Knappe will discuss the impacts of and issues related to PFAS release and exposure of citizens in North Carolina.

Contact Bill Arnold ([email protected]) with questions.
  

Mink’a Research Design: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Rights, and the Adaptive Researcher

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
March 3, 2025 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Speaker: Elizabeth Sumida Huaman (Wanka/Quechua), Professor in the College of Education and Human Development and affiliated faculty with the Departments of American Indian Studies and American Studies, the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change, and the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Designing research studies that are responsive to the daily realities of the people and communities that we most care about is challenging, even on a good day. However, conscientious and forward-thinking research aims to do just that—co-define issues and inquiries, co-maximize broader impacts, co-navigate limitations and their complexities, and carefully share robust findings that can protect, heal, and inspire. Rigorous Indigenous research knows these processes well, and in this presentation, I discuss an example of Indigenous research methodologies—known as the mink’a or shared work practice—coupled with its application to some of the world’s most socially, environmentally, and economically vulnerable places and people. Moving past Indigenous concepts as amorphous and esoteric, I describe key aspects and mechanisms of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in order to ultimately establish the inseparability of rights and nature and how our roles as researchers must be both resolute and adaptable for the sake of research that recognizes the interdependence and sanctity of human and earth life.

Contact Dr. Elizabeth Sumida Huaman Last ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Troubleshooting Code with AI

PRESENTED BY THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, LATIS RESEARCH
March 3, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

Speakers: 

• Michael Beckstrand, Qualitative & Mixed-Methods Research Associate, CLA LATIS
• Pernu Menheer, Research Project Programmer, CLA LATIS
• David Hahn, Research Data System Engineer, CLA LATIS

One of the trickiest parts of getting comfortable with any statistical scripting language (R, STATA, Python) or other coding for research is finding a research-relevant resource to help troubleshoot and problem-solve as you try to script something. You could always Google it? Maybe you’ve heard of a website called StackOverflow? Generative AI provides another solution with its ability to generate and interactively develop code to your parameters. This workshop is designed to introduce you to chatting with Microsoft’s Copilot about research coding tasks and using it to troubleshoot errors in code, suggest possible solutions to problems and use your current scripting knowledge to go further. 

This is an opportunity to develop your skill set to maintain data integrity while also utilizing emerging technologies ethically and responsibly. 

See a full event description or contact LATIS Research ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Supporting the Ethical Conduct of Research: The Roles and Responsibilities of Personnel Engaged in the Research Enterprise

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE
March 4, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Speaker: Danielle Rintala, Research Integrity and Compliance Director and Deputy Research Integrity Officer, Research and Innovation Office

Everyone in the research enterprise has a role to play in supporting and engaging in the ethical conduct of research at the University. Whether the role is directly engaging in the research, or indirectly supporting and/ or leading the ethical conduct of research, it is important to understand everyone's roles and responsibilities as we collaborate within our research enterprise. 

Contact Research Integrity and Compliance ([email protected]) with questions.
 

eConsent Self-Assessment Audit: Results & Insights

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE, QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM - HRPP 
March 4, 2025 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Speaker: Sheila Kelleher MA, CCRA, Sr. Clinical Research Quality Assurance Analyst, Quality Assurance Program, Human Research Protection Program

HRPP QA will review results from the recent eConsent Self-Assessment Audit and share applications, insights, and lessons learned from the process.

Contact Sheila Kelleher ([email protected]) with questions.
 

CFANS Research Ethics Seminar - Best Practices in Assigning Authorship CRediT

PRESENTED BY CFANS RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION
March 4, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Speaker: Kimberly Kirkpatrick, Associate Vice President for Research, Infrastructure and Interdisciplinary Institutes and Centers in the Research and Innovation Office

In conjunction with the University of Minnesota's Research Ethics Week, CFANS will host this webinar on the ethics of authorship. Kimberly Kirkpatrick, Associate Vice President for Research, Infrastructure and Interdisciplinary Institutes and Centers in the Research and Innovation Office, will discuss principles, best practices, and challenges in assigning authorship credit along with some practical implementation strategies, including a discussion of the Contributor Role Taxonomy (CRediT). 

Contact Katie Halling ([email protected]) with questions.
 

The AI Monoculture: Preserving Human Diversity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE, DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVE
March 4, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Speaker: Sonja Schmer-Galunder, Professor of Practice and the Glenn and Deborah Leadership Professor in AI and Ethics at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida

A person's living humanity diminishes to the extent that they give up thinking," wrote Hannah Arendt in The Life of the Mind. As we increasingly delegate our cognitive processes to artificial intelligence, this warning takes on new urgency. What happens when we outsource not just computation, but judgment, decision making and reasoning to AI systems? Do we risk creating not just technological dependency, but intellectual uniformity – a monoculture of intellectual clones? 

One of the most pressing ethical challenges is how AI fundamentally alters our humanity, echoing previous technological revolutions in its extinction of local and embodied forms of knowledge. This talk examines the implications of AI systems, shaped by Silicon Valley's techno-solutionist values, achieving global intellectual hegemony, and explores how we might preserve diverse ways of knowing as vital counterbalances to algorithmic thinking.

Contact the DSI ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Ethical Research Partnerships: Navigating Collaboration, Competition, and Innovation in Academic Partnerships

PRESENTED BY THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
March 4, 2025 – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Speakers: 

• Peter Larsen, PhD
• Noelle Noyes, DVM, PhD
• Tim Johnson, PhD

Moderator: Maxim C. Cheeran, MVSc, PhD

As research becomes more interdisciplinary and collaborative, ethical challenges in academic partnerships are becoming more complex. These partnerships may involve collaborations between academics or with external partners, such as industry. This panel will address key issues like data ownership and sharing, authorship disputes, conflicts of interest, and the pressures of competition in securing funding and publishing first. Panelists will discuss strategies to promote transparency, uphold integrity in collaborations across institutions and industries, and balance open science with proprietary research. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to navigate these challenges while fostering innovation and ethical research practices in veterinary medicine and beyond.

Contact Kinsey Mannebach ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Research Ethics Day Conference Viewing Session

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE
March 5, 2025 – 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Heritage Gallery, McNamara Alumni Center

Join VPR Shashank Priya, AVP Joanne Billings, and RIC Director Danielle Rintala in a live viewing session of the Research Ethics Day Conference. This is an opportunity to network with RIO and engage in discussions about the talks. A light continental breakfast and lunch will be served. A maximum number of guests to this event is only 20 people, so don’t delay in signing up to attend! 

Contact the Research Integrity and Compliance Office Admin ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Hormel Research Ethics Day Conference Viewing Session

PRESENTED BY THE HORMEL INSTITUTE
March 5, 2025 – 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Join Executive Director Bob Clarke, Chief of Staff Elizabeth Fedie, and Research Development Director Jessica Raines-Jones for a live viewing session of the Research Ethics Day Conference presented by the Research and Innovation Office. This is a great opportunity to network with colleagues, engage in discussions, and reflect on important research ethics topics. Donuts and coffee will be provided in the morning, and lunch will be available for those who register. Limited to 50 participants—secure your spot now!

Contact Merlyn Guinovart ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Annual Research Ethics Day Conference - The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research: Challenges & Emerging Guidance

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH & INNOVATION OFFICE; CONSORTIUM ON LAW AND VALUES IN HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & THE LIFE SCIENCES; MASONIC CANCER CENTER; AND CLINICAL TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
March 5, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Speakers: See full list of speakers.

Researchers across many disciplines are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT to support empirical research and data analysis, academic writing, peer review, and development of new tools. The broad reach of AI in research raises pressing ethical questions about scientific integrity, authorship, data privacy, bias, and equity.

This conference will bring together leading experts from a range of disciplines, from biomedical sciences to the humanities, to confront the challenge of ethical use of AI in research. National leaders will discuss how AI is being used in research, the challenges to research ethics and integrity, current guidance on using AI in research and publication, including how to address concerns that training sets for LLMs may not be sufficiently representative, leading to biased models. The conference will offer recommendations for researchers, students, administrators, and IRB professionals on how to ensure ethical use of AI in research.

Learn more about The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research: Challenges & Emerging Guidance.

Contact [email protected] with questions. 
 

Foraging in Dark Woods: How To Avoid Predatory Journals & Conferences

PRESENTED BY KATHRYN A. MARTIN LIBRARY
March 5, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM

Speaker: Nathan Larson, Publishing & Authorship Librarian, KAML

In this workshop, we will talk at length about predatory journals and conferences. Specifically, we will explore what it means to be "predatory", how journals and conferences have evolved for the changing times, past efforts to curb their negative impact, and new ways to identify them using a revised set of criteria. This workshop is intended for anyone interested in academic publishing and is meant to be an interactive space in which to engage with these complex issues that plague academia.

Contact Publishing and Authorship ([email protected]) with questions.
 

AI in Education and Human Development: Navigating the Ethical Frontier

PRESENTED BY THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
March 6, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Speakers:

• Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld, Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies, Curriculum & Instruction
• David DeLiema, Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology George Veletsianos, Professor of Learning Technologies and Bonnie Westby Huebner Chair in Education and Technology, Curriculum & Instruction
• Kyle Nickodem, Director, Research Methodology Consulting Center
• Xiaoran Sun, Assistant Professor, Family Social Science
• Panayiota Kendeou, Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Guy Bond Chair in Reading, Educational Psychology 

As artificial intelligence reshapes education, join leading experts from the CEHD for a critical conversation about the ethical dimensions of AI in research, teaching, learning, and assessment in education. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with crucial questions shaping the future of education.

Contact Panayiota Kendeou ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Responsible Oversight of Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Research Professionals

PRESENTED BY CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE (CTSI)
March 6, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Speaker: David Vulcano, LCSW, MBA, CIP, RAC, FACRP Vice President, Research Compliance & Integrity HCA Healthcare Author of “Responsible Oversight of Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Research Professionals”

As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates across industries, applications in clinical research are being explored to streamline processes, improve efficiency, enhance the accuracy and beyond. Clinical research professionals will play a critical role in navigating the evolving landscape and ensuring responsible oversight of AI integration through addressing regulatory challenges, understanding organizational governance, and maintaining professional standards. This presentation will explore the growing role of AI in clinical research, highlighting the key insights from a whitepaper designed to assist research professionals through its applications and implications.

Contact CTSI ([email protected]) with questions.
 

From Care to Cure: Advancing Science, Enhancing Welfare, and Maximizing Benefit

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE, PRECLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER, 3RS COLLABORATIVE
March 6, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Speakers: 

• Shashank Priya, Vice President, Research and Innovation Office
• Melanie Graham, Professor, PreClinical Research Center, Department of Surgery
• Ned Patterson, Professor, Internal Medicine
• Marie Youst, IACUC Veterinarian, Research and Innovation Office
• Elise Lamont, Research Professional 6, Microbiology and Immunology (2024 Patrick J. Manning award winner)
• Orion Rainwater, Manager, Mouse Behavior Core (2024 Patrick J. Manning award winner)
• Megan R. LaFollette, Executive Director, The 3Rs Collaborative

You are invited to participate in the inaugural animal welfare symposium as a part of Research Ethics Week. The goal of the symposium is to convene members of the animal research community, including faculty/PIs, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, Research Animal Resources animal care and veterinary staff, compliance officers, and research leaders to discuss critical issues at the juncture of animal care and welfare, compassion fatigue, and scientific excellence. 

This symposium will feature invited talks as well as a networking lunch. Lunch is provided by the Research and Innovation Office. 

Attendees are eligible to receive continuing education credits.

Contact Kim Kirkpatrick ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Ethics in Writing Research Manuscripts

PRESENTED BY THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, MINNESOTA ROBOTICS INSTITUTE
March 6, 2025 – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Speaker: Nikos Papanikolopoulos, McKnight Presidential Endowed Professor, Minnesota Robotics Institute Director

This event will cover the ethical implications of writing research manuscripts that use generative artificial intelligence and other supportive tools.

Contact the Minnesota Robotics Institute ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Ethics Considerations When Working with Business & Industry: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Research & Development

PRESENTED BY THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE, NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NRRI), TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
March 7, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Speakers:

• Tim White - Director of Partnership Development (NRRI)
• Pat Schoff - Acting Director of Research (NRRI)
• Jamie Alexander - Director of External Engagement & Strategy (NRRI)
• Kevin Kangas - Director of Technical Operations (NRRI)
• Leza Besemann - Associate Director (Technology Commercialization Office)

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on Business Ethics in Industry as part of Research Ethics Week at the University of Minnesota. Our expert panel will explore real-world challenges in maintaining confidentiality, managing competing interests, and advocating for sound science while navigating industry partnerships. Learn how professionals balance the requirement for ethical integrity with business collaboration, communicate transparently, and incorporate diverse perspectives in decision-making. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and participate in the conversation!

Contact Tim White ([email protected]) with questions.
 

The Ethics of Compensating Community Partners in University-Community Collaborations

PRESENTED BY THE OFFICE FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT, CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING, AND CEARCH
March 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Speakers: 

• Laurie Van Egeren, Vice Provost for Public Engagement
• Laurel Hirt, Director, Center for Community-Engaged Learning
• Angelica Koch, Assistant Director, CTSI's Community Engagement to Advance Research and Community Health (CEARCH)

Compensation for community partners who contribute to the University's mission is a topic that intersects with ethical practices: How do we ensure that partners' expertise and knowledge is valued? When should partners be compensated? What types of compensation are appropriate? How do administrative processes affect the ability of partners to be compensated? This session will present data on UM faculty and staff experiences of compensating community partners within a framework of ethical university-community collaboration. Interactive small groups will be asked to generate guidance and suggestions for improving compensation practices.

Contact Laurie Van Egeren ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Design for All: Ethics for Place-Based Initiatives

PRESENTED BY THE COLLEGE OF DESIGN, GEOSOCIAL VISUALIZATION LAB
March 7, 2025 – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Speaker: Sungduck Lee, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design; Director, Geosocial Visualization Lab

This presentation examines the ethical challenges associated with spatial inequity and introduces visual methods for place-based initiatives that leverage the unique characteristics of the built environment. The concept of social equity within these initiatives emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in the distribution of public goods and services. However, research in urban planning related to social equity has shown evidence of discrimination in the spatial allocation of public services, educational opportunities, and access to safer, healthier environments. Such disparities have been demonstrated to particularly impact low-income households and communities of color in the United States. This presentation explores spatial analysis techniques that can illustrate how urban planning and design strategies may address these disparities, ensuring that place-based initiatives are contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and environmentally sustainable.

Contact Sarah Acosta ([email protected]) with questions.
 

Past Research Ethics Week Highlights