Responsible research dinner debate
In order to work on a research environment that promotes and guarantees responsible research practices, AGEM and Amsterdam UMC Research Policy Office (RPO) launched a new event in December 2022: the Responsible Research Dinner Debate (Diner Pensant). We invited three experts, who pioneered with specific responsible research practices, to share their experiences in the scientific integrity field with 30 AGEM researchers, from PhD candidates to Principal Investigators.
After a short introduction by AGEM director Stan van de Graaf, the 30 participants found their way to either of the three tables for the first course. Each of these tables was hosted by an expert, who first shared insights about best practices in creating a responsible research environment, drawing from their own experience and using tangible use cases. Subsequently, there was plenty of time for open debate between the experts and participants.
After the first course, during which fruitful discussions were held, participants switched tables and groups for the next course. This way, during the three-course dinner, participants were able to broaden their horizon on three different themes of responsible research practices, and join in knowledge and experience sharing with varying peers. The atmosphere was relaxed, allowing for open and honest discussions. The diverse group of participants, from different fields of expertise and different career stages, helped create interesting conversations.
Participants mentioned the event got them inspired and ready to bring ideas to foster responsible research practices to your own research group. Ever since, the first initiatives on responsible research practices have already been implemented at different departments. Thus, the first edition of this Responsible Research Dinner Debate was a great success!
Other iniatiatives
Several Amsterdam UMC departments, affiliated to AGEM, have already implemented new initiatives to focus on scientific integrity. The Tytgat Institute of Liver and Intestinal Research, for instance, regularly organizes Dilemma Games (modelled after the initiative from Erasmus MC). And in the Endocrine Laboratory, monthly meetings are organized for technicians, PhD candidates and master students to discuss research and ethical issues.