Research ethics, unlike other fields of applied ethics, often lacks a theoretical foundation. Researchers rarely apply established moral theories or justify the specific norms they use, such as transparency, data sharing and integrity.

In this talk titled, "Constructivism and the Norms of Research Ethics," Dr. Sam Bruton will present a constructivist approach to research ethics, inspired by recent work in moral methodology by John Rawls and others. Bruton argues that the norms of scientific research should be those advocated by well-informed scientists aiming to advance their field. This perspective clarifies the unity, evolution and structure of these norms.