UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State community is invited to register for the inaugural Research Ethics Conference, to be held on Sept. 10. The one-day event is open to faculty, students, staff and postdoctoral scholars interested in exploring how research ethics shape the quality, credibility and impact of scholarly work across disciplines.
The event is sponsored by the University's Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and the Office for Research Protections, with additional support from a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Research Integrity.
The conference is free to attend and will offer both in-person and virtual participation options. Attendees may receive SARI credit for their participation.
The conference will bring together scholars, practitioners and institutional leaders to examine emerging challenges and practical strategies for fostering integrity in today’s rapidly evolving research environment. Featured topics will include:
- Ethical challenges in the age of artificial intelligence
- Responsible data use, privacy, and transparency
- Industry-partnered research
- Community-engaged research
- Navigating mentorship and lab management
- Research integrity in policy, communication, and public impact
“This conference reflects a growing recognition that research integrity is not confined to compliance but is foundational to the credibility and impact of our work,” said Courtney Karmelita, executive director of ethical research and outreach for the Office for Research Protections and research integrity officer. “By bringing together faculty, students and research leaders across disciplines, we aim to create space for meaningful dialogue and practical strategies that strengthen ethical decision-making in today’s evolving research environment.”
Registration
Anyone with an interest in research ethics is encouraged to register for the conference and in-person participants will receive a complimentary book that will be discussed during the conference. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendees will close on Aug. 10.
In-person seating is limited, and registration is filling quickly; those interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible. If in-person capacity is reached, participants may still attend by registering for the virtual option.
Award nominations
As part of the conference, four $500 Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) awards will be presented to recognize individuals who exemplify integrity, accountability and ethical leadership in research. Members of the Penn State community are encouraged to recognize colleagues by submitting nominations for a faculty member, staff member, graduate student, and/or postdoctoral scholar by completing the RCR award nomination form.
Questions about the event can be addressed to Courtney Karmelita at cec5032@psu.edu.