Ethics and legalities in smart data research
A new workshop from our strategic advice team.
On 7 October 2024, Smart Data Research UK’s strategic advice team will be hosting a workshop on the ethical standards and legal assurance of smart data research.
Are you a researcher who uses or plans to use smart data? Data may range from consumer transactions to social media posts, from GIS mobility data to health data — any digital data traces we leave in our everyday interactions.
The team would like to hear from colleagues working in all disciplines. Perhaps you have insights to share on the ethical frameworks for research and their application to the use of smart data sources? If so, please take part.
The workshop will devote time to discussing researchers’ experiences of engaging with and utilising smart data. This is also an opportunity to discuss how good practices and standards are being supported. The outcomes will inform Smart Data Research UK’s deliberations on future activities. In particular, it will help guide the programme’s plans for ethics and legal resources.
Potential areas for discussion
- Where are frictions for smart data in the ethical research landscape, from researchers’ perspectives?
- How might ethical review processes in higher education settings prepare better for the uptake of smart data?
- Should we be aspiring to standardisation? What are the inherent challenges of a uniform ethical framework?
- What differences exist between ethical best practice and legal best practice?
- What should be the next steps in consolidating insights in this area?
Speakers
Professor Suchith Anand
Suchith is an internationally recognised expert in sustainable development and geospatial science. He provides guidance and advice to governments and international organisations on data science, data ethics, open education, open data and open science policies. Suchith is passionate about education enabling an inclusive society which supports a full commitment to equality, diversity and the public good. He has positioned his work to serve as a bridge between academia and the worlds of policy and practice.
Suchith will be speaking about the work taking place at the Ethical Data Initiative (EDI), which he co-founded. The EDI seeks to tackle significant issues such as data literacy, transparency, and trust-building within data ecosystems. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the initiative sets out to shape ethical data practices and pave the way for a more transparent and trustworthy data landscape.
Dr Nina Di Cara
Nina is based at the University of Bristol where she researches the relationship between mental health and digital footprints. She also conducts meta-research on responsible innovation in data science and researcher well-being in mental health research.
Nina will discuss her project with Dr Natalie Zelenka and Dr Huw Day, the Data Hazards Project. This project aims to mitigate downstream harms of data science tools and research by prompting researchers and developers to reflect on potential ethical issues and mitigate them where possible. The project provides resources to bring in a broad range of views on these issues. It also helps researchers reflect on the ethics of their work.
Join in
This facilitated online workshop will take place on Monday, 7 October, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm (BST). Book your place via the Eventbrite page.