Ethics plays an increasingly central role in social science research, especially in contexts where openness, data sharing and reusability are essential components of scientific work. How can research remain open and reusable while ensuring responsibility towards participants and society? This is one of the key questions that will guide the upcoming FOSSR webinar on Ethical Issues in Research Infrastructures for the Social Sciences, taking place on 10 April 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00.
The webinar is organised within Task 2.5 “FOSSR Ethical Issues”, led by CID Ethics – CNR, and is designed to explore how ethical principles can be integrated into research processes from the earliest stages of project development. Rather than being considered only as a final procedural requirement, ethics is presented as a core element of research quality, methodological robustness and social responsibility.
A particular focus will be dedicated to the ethics by design approach, which promotes the anticipation of risks, the assessment of societal implications and the reduction of potential harm already during the planning phase of research activities.
The discussion will address several key issues relevant to social science research infrastructures, including:
- ethical challenges in social science research
- responsible data sharing
- protection of participants’ dignity, autonomy, safety and wellbeing
- ethical clearance procedures
- balancing openness and protection in open social science
The webinar will be held in Italian, with presentation slides available in English.
All the information, the complete agenda and the registration link available at the page devoted to the event.