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