Request for Input: NSF Seeking Input on Research Ethics

Earlier this month, the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a Dear Colleague Letter requesting public input into the agency’s efforts to “incorporate ethical, social, safety, and security considerations into the merit review process” as required by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Section 10343 of the CHIPS Act states, “a number of emerging areas of research have potential ethical, social, safety, and security implications that might be apparent as early as the basic research stage…[T]he incorporation of ethical, social, safety, and security considerations into the research design and review process for Federal awards may help mitigate potential harms before they happen.”

The Request for Information (RFI) contains several guiding questions to assist with public response, such as: “Describe ethical, social, safety, and/or security risks from current or emerging research activities that you believe might be of concern to the community, profession, or organization with which you are connected,” and “How might NSF work with stakeholders to promote best practices for governance of research in emerging technologies at every stage of research?”

Comments are sought by November 15 and should be submitted through an online form.