> [!summary]+ Summary > This page describes a seminar series that I wrote to support teaching young engineers about ethics in engineering research. This work was for the MIT-Skoltech partnership. I delivered it to leadership in Moscow, Russia in summer 2013. # Ethics in engineering research seminar series I joined the MIT Skoltech Program about 2 years after its founding. When I came in the door, the education program was just beginning. The master's programs were known, the high-level learning objectives framework and other steering documents were established. Additionally, we knew we would plan pedagogy using the [Conceive Design Implement Operate (CDIO) Framework](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDIO_Initiative). It was exciting to say the least. *We were building everything for a new university from scratch.* As the master's programs, their courses, and ideas for producing interdisciplinary graduates was taking shape, teaching about ethics in engineering research rose to the surface. I was tasked to create a framework for a seminar series that would teach research ethics to young engineers. ## Framework for an ethics in research seminar In May 2013 I mapped out a plan for a seminar series to teach ethics to engineers. Despite having no engineering background, only a lifelong interest, I researched and wrote this plan. When the first draft was created I circulated this to my team, then did the same for the second draft. Sometime in June 2013, I then traveled to Moscow, Russia to present this (and some other work) to MIT and Skoltech leadership. Of most importance, was the President at the time [Edward Crawley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_F._Crawley). The reception was perfect and Dr Crawley gave me some of the best praise a young professional could have from someone of his stature. <div class="container"><iframe class="responsive-iframe-pdf-port" src="https://1drv.ms/b/c/13829E5D2EB238DE/IQQ1Be5flDOjQ41vI-CY-u8_AZzhoxWHkeCCzEHbtqj0iVU" width="100%" height="550" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div> ### About the seminar The following is a high-level presentation of the framework presented in the above document. #### Learning objectives Based on the *Learning Objectives Framework for Skoltech M.Sc. Graduates (2012)*. <div class="container"><iframe class="responsive-iframe-pdf-port" src="https://1drv.ms/b/c/13829E5D2EB238DE/IQTRhlGkIDzmSpmU_8Zt4qicAT3Cg_FUatcPK1t4ShPlnLA" width="100%" height="550" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div> **LO Framework, Section 2: Personal attributes — Thinking, beliefs, and values** 2.3 | Ethics, equity, and other responsibilities - Ethical action, integrity and courage - Social responsibility - Equity and diversity - Trust and loyalty - Proactive vision and intention in life **Seminar learning objectives:** 1. Explain from examples ethical action that exemplifies integrity and courage. 2. Discuss social responsibility as it applies to research engineering. 3. Describe diversity, its value in research, and the importance of equity among researchers. 4. Assess and explain the role of trust in scientific research. 5. Formulate a vision as a member of the engineering research community. #### Seminar outline The seminar had a total of 12 sessions planned over 2 parts. **Part 1 was introductory and foundational**. And **part 2 was practice oriented** and visioning into the future. ##### Part 1 | Introduction: 1 session 1. Title: "What are Research Ethics and Why Should I Care?" ##### Part 1 | The Academies of Science: 5 sessions 2. Title: "Being an Internationally Responsible Scientist" 3. Title: "The Rules of Scientific Research" 4. Title: "The Worst Kind of Researcher" 5. Title: "We Don’t Operate in a Vacuum" 6. Title: "Contributing to the Body of Knowledge" ##### Part 2 | In Service of the Public Good: 3 sessions 7. Title: "Your Professional Code of Ethics – Part 1" 8. Title: "Your Professional Code of Ethics – Part 2" 9. Title: "I Strongly Disagree. Now What Should We Do?" ##### Part 2 | Professional Perspective: 2 sessions 10. Title: "Here’s What the Industry Pros Think" 11. Title: "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" ##### Part 2 | Looking to the Future: 1 session 12. Title: "How I Envision My Seat at the Table" ## References - [ARCHIVE](https://skoltech.mit.edu) — MIT Skoltech Program - Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) — [Homepage](https://new.skoltech.ru/en/) - Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) — [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skolkovo_Institute_of_Science_and_Technology)