For researchers dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards, the Conversations About Research Ethics (CARE) program offers a comprehensive training initiative. Building upon the foundation of our engaging panel discussions, the Care Training Program at CEHV is meticulously designed to equip faculty, graduate students, professional students, and postdoctoral researchers with essential skills in the responsible conduct of research. This program is perfectly suited to meet federal ethics guidelines and goes beyond basic compliance training, fostering critical discussions on the evolving challenges and cutting-edge issues within the field of research ethics. Professionals from all disciplines who are deeply invested in research ethics are encouraged to enroll.
Since its inception in Spring 2020, the CARE Training Program has become a cornerstone for researchers seeking robust ethics training. Registration for the Spring 2025 semester is now open, offering a timely opportunity to enhance your research practices.
Registration for Fall 2025 will be announced soon.
What Makes the CARE Training Program Stand Out?
The CARE Training Program distinguishes itself through several key features, making it an unparalleled choice for researchers committed to ethical excellence:
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The program creates a vibrant learning environment by bringing together researchers from diverse fields across the university, fostering cross-disciplinary insights and collaborations.
- Foundational Principles: Unlike purely procedural trainings, CARE delves into the core values and ethical principles that underpin responsible research conduct, providing a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making.
- Exploratory and Reflective: The program encourages participants to engage in thoughtful reflection and open discussion on complex, real-world case studies, enhancing their ability to navigate ethical dilemmas in their own research.
- Ethicist-Led Moderation: Each session is expertly moderated by PhD-trained ethicists from CEHV, ensuring rigorous, informed guidance and fostering a nuanced understanding of ethical considerations.
The CARE Training Program is skillfully coordinated by Prof. Dana Howard and Prof. Pamela Salsberry from CEHV, both leading experts in the field of research ethics.
Inside the CARE Training Program: Curriculum and Structure
The CARE Training Program utilizes an engaging format comprising 8 discussion-based training sessions each semester. These sessions are expertly led and moderated by CARE Coordinator Prof. Dana Howard, a distinguished ethicist specializing in research ethics and integrity. Adopting a “flipped classroom model,” participants are encouraged to watch videos of previous CARE panel discussions and review carefully selected readings before each session. This preparation sets the stage for dynamic, face-to-face discussions centered on case studies that illuminate the specific ethical challenges researchers encounter today.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers critical topics, including:
- Navigating Conflicts of Interest in Research
- Ethical Considerations in the Protection of Human and Animal Subjects
- The Significance of Mentorship Relationships in Research
- Best Practices in Collaborative Research
- Authorship and Publication Ethics
- Data Sharing, Privacy, and Responsible Data Management
- The Researcher’s Role as a Responsible Member of Society
- Understanding the Environmental and Societal Impacts of Research
Notably, the CARE Training Program is officially recognized by OSU as an approved course that fulfills the NIH’s in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training requirements. For detailed information, please refer to the ORC Institutional Responsible Conduct of Research Training Plan.
Further details on federal RCR guidelines can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-10-019.html and https://www.training.nih.gov/rcr_and_applying_for_nih_training_grants.
Successful completion of the CARE Training Program is contingent upon consistent attendance and active participation in all discussion sessions, ensuring a valuable and enriching learning experience.
Spring 2025 Session Schedule: Dates and Topics
The CARE Training Program sessions for Spring 2025 will be conducted in a hybrid format, offering both Zoom and in-person participation options. Sessions are scheduled from 1:30pm to 2:30pm on Mondays, with the location to be determined (TBD).
Spring 2025 Schedule:
| Session | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 01/13/2025 | Minority Representation in Research & Inclusive Recruitment |
| 2 | 01/27/2025 | Ethics of Research with Human & Non-Human Animals |
| 3 | 02/03/2025 | Ethics of Peer Review and Editorial Practices |
| 4 | 02/10/2025 | Data Sharing and Public Data in Research |
| 5 | 02/17/2025 | Conflicts of Interest and Research Misconduct |
| 6 | 02/24/2025 | Risk Benefit Analysis in Research |
| 7 | 03/17/2025 | Ethics of Co-Authorship & Mentoring Relationships |
| 8 | 03/24/2025 | Emerging Topics in Research Ethics |
*Please note: Topics are subject to possible adjustments*
Participants are expected to attend all eight sessions to gain full benefit from the program. Missing more than one session may result in an ‘incomplete,’ which can be rectified in the subsequent semester.
Participants are also highly encouraged to attend the three Live CARE Panels planned for the Spring 2025 semester to further enrich their understanding of research ethics.
Enhance Your Learning with Spring 2025 CARE Panels
Examining Risk and Benefit in Research
Monday, January 27th | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Virtual via Zoom
CARE Panel during Love Data Week: Ethical Use of Social Media Data in Research
Monday, February 10th | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Virtual via Zoom
The Ethics of Psychedelic Research
Monday, March 24th | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Virtual via Zoom
Get Involved: Questions About the CARE Training Program?
For any inquiries regarding the CARE Training Program, please do not hesitate to contact CEHV Director Piers Turner directly at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you to the program and supporting your commitment to ethical research practices.
