Grambling State University has been awarded a significant $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to research ethics education across its campus. This funding is awarded through the Ethical and Responsible Research program. The program aims to cultivate a culture of research integrity while building the university’s overall research capabilities.
Dr. Carolyn Jackson is an associate professor of education at GSU and acting director of graduate studies. She will serve as the primary investigator for this groundbreaking project. Her co-primary investigator is Dr. Connie Walton, the provost and vice president of academic affairs. Notably, GSU stands out as one of only two institutions in Louisiana to receive the ER2 grant during this cycle. GSU joins Tulane University. It is also the sole Historically Black College and University awarded this honor.
Creating the DREI
The project, titled “Fostering a Culture of Research Ethics and Integrity: An Institutional Transformational Project,” seeks to transform GSU’s existing framework of research ethics at GSU. Jackson added that the initiative aims to create an environment where ethical research practices are paramount. “Our goal is to strengthen the university’s research infrastructure through this comprehensive effort that will result in a new department — The Department of Research Ethics and Integrity,” she stated.
Currently, GSU requires only select members of the university community to complete limited ethics training associated with specific grant proposals or thesis work. However, with the new grant funding, the university plans to expand these requirements significantly. The DREI will ensure that all faculty, students, and staff engage in comprehensive training related to research ethics.
“The DREI will provide training via invited lectures, workshops, a new Research Ethics 101 course and other activities and trainings,” Jackson explained. This expansion will not only enhance the knowledge base surrounding research integrity but also provide essential support to the broader research community.
The team will conduct a strategic evaluation study to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives,. This will assess how comprehensive training programs can influence researchers’ perceptions of their ethical responsibilities and enhance a culture of responsible research within the institution.
Jackson emphasized that the project’s findings may also yield important insights into the research culture at HBCUs and address the effects of ethical violations in research practices.
“The evidence-based nature of the project’s curriculum design allows for the project to serve as an exemplar of institutional transformation, providing a blueprint of what works in creating a culture of research ethics and integrity at HBCUs and similar institutions. that are endeavoring to enhance their research profile,” she added.
