You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reason:

Only users who are logged in using ORCID can make a change or add a contribution. Please login here.

Back

Edit a module

With this form, you create a step-by-step module on research integrity or ethics. This can be used to provide instruction on a particular topic. You might want to use it for a tutorial, teaching material, case analysis tool, or an educational game.

Every single module is intended for just one type of user. That sets it apart. It might be that you write an instruction for a group session with a facilitator and participants. You would then need to write two pages, one with the steps for facilitators and one with the steps for participants.

Before you submit, please be aware of our community guidelines.

Do you want your training and project to be featured on the Embassy?

Feel free to contact us to discuss the options.

Module

Instructions for:ParticipantTrainer

Perspective Participant

What are the steps?

Interactive Content

The climate-conscious methodologies matrix helps researchers, students, and citizen scientists make ethical and responsible decisions in research. It is especially useful when working with climate-related impacts (such as floods, heatwaves, or droughts), with vulnerable or affected communities.

The tool encourages you to '''ask good questions''' throughout all stages of your research (from the early design to communication of results) and helps you adapt your methods while keeping fairness, safety, and community needs at the centre.

In a changing climate, traditional research methods may not work or may cause harm. Communities may be under stress. Researchers may face risks. By using the matrix, you can:

*'''Stay flexible,''' but still do high-quality research
*'''Respect local people and ecosystems'''
*'''Build trust''' through careful planning and honest     communication

*'''Support climate justice''' by including affected voices in all     stages of research.
In the following steps 5 deks of cards are presented. Each of them addresses the following methodological components:

*Research design
*Assessment and measurement strategies
*Data evaluation and interpretation
*Ethical issues and scientific integrity
*Communication of research findings

Have a look at how to use the cards by clicking on the link below.

Interactive Content

'''Use you own research''' to reflect on the cards questions

OR use the '''CASE STUDY EXAMPLE:'''

'''"Rebuilding with Dignity: Participatory Research in a Flooded Neighbourhood"'''

'''Context:'''

In the aftermath of devastating flash floods in the peri-urban district of ''Las Marismas'', located on the low-lying outskirts of a Mediterranean city, a European research consortium '''initiates a climate adaptation project'''. The floods displaced over 1,500 residents, disproportionately affecting undocumented migrants, single mothers, and elderly locals who had settled in informal housing near riverbeds. Many residents feel abandoned by local authorities and express mistrust toward institutions, citing past experiences with extractive research and failed development promises.

The '''research project''', funded under the EU’s Green Deal programme''', aims to co-develop low-cost, community-led solutions for urban flood resilience'''. It includes both social and infrastructural components, such as local early-warning systems, nature-based stormwater management, and inclusive governance models. The research team comprises environmental engineers, social scientists, public health researchers, and local facilitators.

'''Imagine you are part of the team involved in this research.''' Your task is to '''use the cards to anticipate and address potential ethical and methodological challenges''' throughout the project.

For each card, use the scenario to:

*'''Reflect''' on how the question applies in this setting.
*'''Identify''' possible tensions or risks (e.g., exclusion, harm, extractivism).
*'''Propose''' a climate-just, community-informed course of action.

Interactive Content

'''1. Main source:'''

Berseth, V. & Letourneau, A. (2025), Climate Change-Conscious Methodologies: Ethical Research in a Changing World. WIREs Clim Change, 16: e933.

https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.933

'''2. Ethics in disaster / crisis research:'''

Browne, K. E., & Peek, L. (2014). Beyond the IRB: An ethical toolkit for long-term disaster research. International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, 32(1), 82–120.

https://hazards.colorado.edu/uploads/publications/22_2014%20Browne_Peek.pdf

'''3. Ethical challenges in crisis research governance:'''

Falb, K., Laird, B., Ratnayake, R., Rodrigues, K., & Annan, J. (2019). The ethical contours of research in crisis settings. Disasters, 43(4), 711–726.

https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12398

'''4. Participatory / non-extractive disaster research:'''

Le Dé, L., Gaillard, J. C., & Friesen, W. (2015). Academics doing participatory disaster research: How participatory is it? Environmental Hazards, 14(1), 1–15.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17477891.2014.957636

Interactive Content

Add another

Instruction Remarks Participant

After completing this module:

* use '''[[Instruction:30edbd4b-bfea-4b9e-be90-61892b7877ca|“Mapping research connections to environmental justice: Crisis Tree exercise”]]''' to '''strengthen the ability to evaluate''' whether a '''methodology proposed is ethically and systemically adequate''' (it helps you strengthen systems analysis behind your methodological choices)
* continue with '''[[Instruction:D00a0833-8e28-41be-ac4a-8b3dc4d1646f|“Reimagining sustainable field research: Doing science without doing harm”]]''' to '''translate methodological principles into concrete criteria for''' assessing ethical '''field practices''' (it helps you apply the framework in real-world contexts)
* deepen with '''[[Instruction:Ba19c399-d3b7-45b1-a8bd-da51cb6b72f1|“The Good Researcher: Responsibility, Discourse, and Environmentally Aware Research”]]''' to '''ground decisions in professional responsibility and ethical reasoning''' (It clarifies what it means to act as a responsible researcher when applying or evaluating methodologies)

Perspective Trainer

What are the steps?

Add another

Instruction Remarks Trainer

Related To

Edit Instruction: Instruction:2048c80f-44be-43e8-bf19-d9012c1208ba

Edit a module