ZOiS Ethics Commission
The ZOiS Ethics Commission started work in spring 2022. Its establishment was prompted by the growing significance of research ethics in the social sciences and humanities and the need for a systematic approach to address research ethics issues. As part of the Centre’s institutional structure, the Ethics Commission acts as an advisory body for research staff and thus makes a major contribution to a sustainable and transparent research process at ZOiS.
The internal Ethics Commission has four members. The Director and the Research Manager, who acts in an executive capacity, are permanent members. In addition, one Head of a Research Cluster and one researcher are elected from among the research staff. They serve for a two-year term and may be re-elected once. These members should represent different disciplines in order to provide a broad perspective on ethical issues.
Researchers employed at ZOiS must submit a mandatory application for ethical approval at the start of each new research project.
Terms of reference
The Ethics Commission is tasked with reviewing and advising on issues relating to research ethics. In this context, it must adhere to the principles of good research practice and the guidelines issued by relevant professional associations, such as the German Political Science Association (DVPW/GPSA), the German Association of Social and Cultural Anthropology (DGSKA/GASCA) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).
The Commission’s key functions include:
- advising researchers on ethical issues, with a particular focus on data protection, informed consent and ethical acceptability of research methods
- safeguarding quality through ethical review of research projects
- raising awareness of ethical challenges in research
- developing and delivering workshops on research ethics, primarily for PhD students.
Joint Ethics Committee
In addition to its internal activities, the ZOiS Ethics Commission is part of the Joint Ethics Committee established in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL), the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) and the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO). The Joint Ethics Committee provides its member institutions with a platform for discussing ethical challenges and formulating consensus-based recommendations. This collaboration not only improves the quality of research but also supports the development of guidelines on research ethics in the social sciences and humanities.
Cooperation in the Joint Ethics Committee adds an interinstitutional perspective to this field of activity and promotes the establishment of shared ethical standards.
Contact: ethik(at)zois-berlin(dot)de