Universität KonstanzExzellenzcluster „Kulturelle Grundlagen von Integration“

Scientific Integrity in the Context of Integration and Competition

Dr. Diana Schmidt-Pfister, Dr. Nora Hangel

(January 2009 until February 2014)

Abstract

This project examines the norms and values of university-based researchers on the basis of their changing habitual and regulative contexts. Understanding science as culture and practice, the analysis of its normative and governance-related aspects draws primarily on science and technology studies (STS).

The project is innovative in taking a comprehensive and comparative approach. Processes of value change and emerging ethical governance are compared across disciplines, generations, national and local contexts (Germany, UK, USA / 2 anonymous universities per country) as well as in daily research practice versus governance practice. This analysis is guided by three central questions:

  1. How stable are research cultures as normative reference systems, both at their boundaries and over time?
  2. How are normative orientations (re)produced in an interplay between individuality and culture?
  3. How can we pass on ethical knowledge amongst scientists?