CHANGER Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
From The Embassy of Good Science
ResourcesCHANGER Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Related Initiative
What is this about?
The CHANGER MOOCs are free online courses developed as part of the European Union-funded CHANGER project, which aims to improve research ethics review and promote responsible research practices. The courses provide flexible, self-paced learning on key ethical issues that arise in modern research, particularly in areas involving emerging technologies and innovative research methods. They cover topics such as electronic informed consent, artificial intelligence, gene editing, organoid research, and ethics-by-design. The MOOCs are designed by experts from the CHANGER consortium and are available to learners worldwide at no cost. Participants gain practical knowledge, real-world examples, and tools to help them identify and address ethical challenges throughout the research process. The initiative supports researchers and Research Ethics Committees in building stronger ethical decision-making skills and fostering a culture of responsible, trustworthy, and human rights-based research.
Why is this important?
The CHANGER MOOCs are important because they help researchers and ethics professionals understand and respond to the ethical challenges created by rapidly evolving technologies and research practices. By providing accessible, high-quality training, the courses strengthen ethical decision-making, encourage responsible research, and promote the protection of human rights throughout the research process. They also support Research Ethics Committees by improving their capacity to evaluate complex research proposals consistently and effectively. Ultimately, the MOOCs contribute to increasing public trust in research, improving research quality, and ensuring that scientific innovation develops in a socially responsible and ethically sound manner across Europe and beyond.
