Research ethics standards promote responsible conduct of research in science and are essential to the development of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at all levels. Standards advance the aims of scientific inquiry to foster a research environment that enables scientists to work together toward common goals and boosts public confidence in scientific knowledge and progress for the public good.
More than 100 young students and researchers from the region participated in an online training course on "Research Ethics Standards: Refashioning Scientific Dialogue" held during 11th -14th October 2021.
The training aimed at improving the knowledge and practice of research ethics standards, and included lectures on topics ranging from the core values of research, leadership, ethics, roles of bioethics committee, dual-use of biotechnology and ethics, and publication ethics.
Building on a UNESCO initiative in support of the Instituto Nacional de ciencia y teknologia Timor-Leste (INCT) with engagement by Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, co-chair of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology, and Dr. Ali Talha from Lady Reading Hospital Medical Teaching Institution Pakistan, the lectures will be accessible as an online course on the UNESCO Jakarta e-learning platform.
INCT will officially launch the STI research's ethical standards and online course during the celebration of World Science Day 2021 and invite relevant stakeholders in Timor-Leste to take part. Contributing to the attainment of SDGs 4, 9, and 17, the training highlighted the need to enhance scientific research to encourage innovation towards inclusive development.
