Research Ethics Compass

What is this about?

The website Research Ethics Compass offers an online course designed to strengthen researchers’ ethical decision-making capacity throughout the full research lifecycle from planning, to conducting, to disseminating, managing data, and guarding against misconduct. It begins at a “foundation level” where users reflect on what ethics means, why it matters in research, and how to apply ethical approaches and theories. The site features modular tasks , learning tools, an e-portfolio template, and directs participants onward to an advanced level after completion of the basics. The structure emphasises self-reflection and active engagement rather than merely reading codes of conduct. The course was developed under the LIFE programme in 2020 and is geared towards building confidence in making ethical research choices even when the answer isn’t obvious.

Why is this important?

Ethics is fundamental in research to ensure integrity, trust and social value. The Research Ethics Compass matters because it helps researchers proactively recognise ethical dilemmas, navigate them thoughtfully and align their work with standards of respect, transparency and responsibility. Especially in complex, interdisciplinary or vulnerable-population studies, having a structured ethics training supports good practice, helps prevent misconduct or harm, and bolsters the credibility and impact of the research.

For whom is this important?

Early-career researchers and graduate studentsInterdisciplinary and international researchersResearch Ethics Committees and Integrity OfficesResearch supervisors and mentorsResearchers working with human participants, communities, or sensitive data

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