About Research, Ethics & Society
The Research, Ethics and Society Initiative (RESI) was launched to help ensure that Pitt’s scholars and researchers pursue their work with awareness of its implications for society, the world, and future generations. Pitt joins peer institutions in providing research ethics consultation services through RESI, enhancing Pitt Research.
RESI seeks to create a campus climate that:
- Fosters awareness of the ethical, legal and social implications of the wide range of research conducted at Pitt
- Facilitates interdisciplinary discussion of both “should” and “how” questions regarding research
- Integrates consideration of the ethics and social implications of research into curricula and research programs; and
- Encourages researchers to communicate—with a range of publics and the media—about their work and its significance
Research Ethics Consultation
The Research Ethics Consultation Service (RECS) serves the entire research ecosystem at Pitt: scholars, researchers and members of research teams, as well as research oversight committee members. RECS consultants help researchers in all disciplines think through the ethical questions that arise in the design and conduct of their research.
The RECS is not a substitute for oversight committees and regulatory bodies, nor is consultation a substitute for reporting concerns to the appropriate University offices. The RECS complements the work of these compliance-focused entities by helping members of the Pitt research community anticipate, identify, and address ethical issues. View full list of Research Ethics Consultants.
Requests a consultation by contacting, RECS@pitt.edu.
Research Ethics Advisory Board
The Research Ethics Advisory Board was formed to advise on questions of research policy that may affect Pitt’s research activities. Examination of research questions and methods may convene through symposia or workshops. The Advisory Board acts in the belief that thoughtful discussion of ethical issues and policy is itself a valuable function of an institution of higher learning. Pitt Research seeks to ensure that in advancing the frontiers of knowledge, Pitt makes a positive impact on the world.
The Advisory Board facilitates timely, thorough, interdisciplinary consideration of questions of research ethics and institutional policy that may affect Pitt’s research activities. In addition to considering research questions being pursued or contemplated by Pitt researchers, the Research Ethics Advisory Board may initiate examination of research questions and methods by convening symposia or workshops. These may result in anticipatory guidance for Pitt leadership and researchers, or in white papers or other contributions to the development of national and international research policy. View full list of the Research Ethics Advisory Board members.
RESI People
RESI staff leverage Pitt’s intellectual resources to provide curricular, consultative and analytical support regarding ethical, legal and social issues arising in the full range of Pitt’s research activities.
RESI Resources
RESI gathers and creates resources for scholars and researchers. These include guidance documents, in-depth discussions of ethical issues, and information about research ethics forums. Suggestions of additional resources may be made to: RESI@pitt.edu.
Events
Events focused on research ethics and the social implications of research.