Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasing awareness and debate around ethical conduct in research. However, a new study finds that many academic journals lack explicit ethical reporting requirements.

As well as identifying significant gaps in some ethics reporting, based on a thorough review of current policy and practice; the authors of the study propose specific solutions and an adaptable framework for developing policy guidelines which will help researchers to better negotiate ethical practices and concepts.

The study, in the journal, PLOS One, was undertaken by an international team of scholars with experience as editors-in-chief of leading educational technology journals. It was led by academics from the University of Technology, Sydney. Professor Sara Hennesy at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, was a co-author.

In a scoping review of existing editorial policies in academic journals – and how these are implemented – the researchers found that more than half (54%) of journals lack explicit ethics reporting requirements. Even where they did have clear policies, the authors suggest this was often a compliance-driven “box-ticking exercise” rather than a genuine examination of ethical concerns.

At the same time, the scoping review did highlight innovative policies in some journals, which could help to foster learning and discussion of ethical issues.

These included adding new reviewer guidance and introducing a role of ‘ethics reviewer’. By encouraging the consideration of ethical issues, the study suggests, measures such as these could ensure that academic research upholds standards of trustworthiness and social responsibility.

Simon Knight, Associate Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, and the lead author, said: “Research ethics isn’t just about how we treat human and animal subjects or ensure data accuracy – it also includes considering the wider impact that research might have on society.”

“For example, advances in facial recognition technology raise ethical concerns around its possible use in surveillance or applications in the military, or in other products, as well as discrimination due to biases in the technology itself. Implications like this means that ethical practices in research require ongoing consideration and review.”

Academic journal articles are a primary outlet through which research is communicated to other researchers, policy actors, practitioners and the public as a whole. They therefore play a central role in promoting ethical practices and maintaining the integrity of research.

By extension, failing to address ethical issues that arise from academic research can lead to diminished trust in science, decreased funding and a reluctance to adopt innovations and new ideas among implicated communities whom the research is meant to benefit.

The new study therefore provides policy templates and guidelines for authors, reviews and editors to adopt – and adapt – within their own communities.

“The templates are intended to support the learning and sharing of knowledge within and across research communities and stakeholders,” Knight said. “We need to shift from compliance-based ethics to fostering ethical norms and practices, without introducing barriers to publication or increasing overheads. We also need to address both current and future research ethics challenges.”

The full paper is available in PLOS One from 30 October, 2024: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309715