The Research, Ethics and Society Initiative (RESI) of Pitt Research has awarded its inaugural Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) grants in two categories. Research supplement grants enable researchers to investigate ELSI related to an underlying research project. Curriculum grants support the examination of ELSI of topics addressed in existing courses or curricula. Recipients of the grants are:
Caitlin Bruce, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
"Pitt Public Art Archive & Research Lab (PPAARL): Imagining Collaborative, Culturally Sensitive, and Community"
The study will focus on models for archiving street art/graffiti, balancing comprehensiveness with privacy and surveillance of artists.
Cynthia Croot, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
"The Guests"
Through a presentation using three Abrahamic wedding ceremonies, this work will explore respectful coexistence of differing cultures.
Avneil Ghuman, School of Medicine
"Bioethics of Real-World Data Collection in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit"
This work will examine privacy expectations and protections in semi-public spaces such as hospital rooms, particularly considering expanded data-sharing requirements.
Zoe Hendrickson, School of Public Health
"Data, Decision-Making, and Reproductive Health in South Asia: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Public Health Research and Interventions"
The study will address ELSI of collecting reproduction-relevant data within Nepalese and Indian communities.
Brayden Kameg, School of Nursing
"Equipping Clinicians to Deliver Ethical Harm Reduction Care Amid Evolving Legal and Policy Constraints"
The project aims to develop a modular curriculum to introduce risk-reduction methods into graduate-level health professions education.
The RESI anticipates offering a second round of ELSI research supplement and curriculum development grants in the next academic year..