Expanding research ethics for inclusive and transdisciplinary research

Authors: MEADOW, ALISON - University Of Arizona; Wilmer, Hailey; FERGUSON, DANIEL - University Of Arizona

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/25/2025
Publication Date: 2/25/2025
Citation: Meadow, A., Wilmer, H.N., Ferguson, D. 2025. Expanding research ethics for inclusive and transdisciplinary research. In: Lave, R., Lane, S., editors. The Field Guide to Mixing Social and Biophysical Methods in Environmental Research. Cambridge, UK: Open Book Publishers. p. 59-86. https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0418.05.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0418.05

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Natural resource researchers have long recognized the value of working closely with the managers and communities who depend on, steward, and impact ecosystems. These partnerships take various forms, including co-production and transdisciplinary research approaches. Science–management partnerships require an expanded set of ethical concepts to better capture the challenges of working with individuals, communities, organizations, and their associated ecosystems, as partners, rather than research subjects. We outline key questions and actions research teams can take to engage with the framework for transdisciplinary research ethics developed by Wilmer et al, 2021. This includes four principles: (1) appropriate representation, (2) self-determination, (3) reciprocity, and (4) deference, and two cross-cutting themes: (1) applications to humans and non-human actors, and (2) acquiring appropriate research skills. This framework is meant to stimulate important conversations about expanding ethics training and skills for researchers in all career-stages to improve partnerships and transdisciplinary natural resources research.