Building Student Engagement in Kentucky's Ethics Process
GrantID: 15428
Grant Funding Amount Low: $50,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $700,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Engaging Students in the Ethics Review Process in Kentucky
Capacity Gaps in Kentucky's STEM Research
In Kentucky, a considerable gap exists in the capacity for ethical review in STEM research, primarily due to a lack of engagement from students and emerging researchers in the ethics review process. With a significant portion of the state's workforce involved in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, the importance of embedding ethical considerations into STEM research cannot be overlooked. Currently, less than 30% of STEM students in Kentucky report having a strong understanding of the ethical review process, indicating a pressing need to enhance student involvement and education in this critical area.
Infrastructure and Workforce Constraints
Kentucky’s infrastructure supporting STEM education and ethical review is often fragmented. Many educational institutions, especially in rural areas, lack resources for comprehensive training programs that focus on ethical issues in research. Furthermore, a limited number of professionals skilled in ethical review processes serve as gatekeepers to funding and project approvals, hindering the development of a robust ethical framework within Kentucky’s research ecosystem. This limitation restricts students' opportunities to engage meaningfully with the ethical dimensions of their research.
Readiness Requirements for Ethical Engagement
This grant aims to address these capacity issues by developing programs specifically designed to engage students in the ethics review process of STEM projects. By involving students as reviewers, they will gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of ethical considerations. The funding will cover the development of curriculum resources, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities that provide students with the skills needed to navigate ethical challenges.
Implications for Kentucky's Research Environment
The initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and knowledgeable environment that emphasizes ethical standards in STEM research across Kentucky. By empowering students, the program will contribute to an overall enhancement of ethical awareness among Kentucky's future researchers. As students learn to assess projects through an ethical lens, the state will cultivate a new generation of STEM professionals committed to maintaining high ethical standards in their work. Ultimately, this initiative aims to bridge the existing gaps in Kentucky's research landscape, fostering a culture of integrity in STEM disciplines that can influence future advancements statewide.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
