Research, Ethics & Society Initiative

About RESI

The Research, Ethics and Society Initiative (RESI) was launched to help ensure that Pitt’s scholars and researchers pursue their work with awareness of its implications for society, the world, and future generations. Pitt joins peer institutions in providing research ethics consultation services through RESI, enhancing Pitt Research.

RESI seeks to create a campus climate that:

  • Fosters awareness of the ethical, legal and social implications of the wide range of research conducted at Pitt
  • Facilitates interdisciplinary discussion of both “should” and “how” questions regarding research
  • Integrates consideration of the ethics and social implications of research into curricula and research programs; and
  • Encourages researchers to communicate—with a range of publics and the media—about their work and its significance

Events

Explore upcoming events focused on research ethics and the social implications of research.

Research Ethics Consultation (RECS)

RECS at Pitt supports researchers by helping them navigate ethical issues in their research design and conduct. It complements compliance-focused entities by assisting in identifying and addressing ethical concerns. However, RECS is not a replacement for oversight committees or regulatory bodies, and it does not substitute for reporting concerns to the appropriate University offices. To request a consultation, researchers can contact RECS at RECS@pitt.edu.

Research Ethics Advisory Board

The Research Ethics Advisory Board at Pitt advises on research policies that impact the university’s research activities. It ensures timely, interdisciplinary consideration of research ethics and institutional policy issues. The Board reviews ongoing or proposed research, and may also initiate discussions through symposia or workshops. These efforts provide guidance for Pitt leadership and researchers and contribute to national and international research policy development. View full list of the Research Ethics Advisory Board members.

RESI People

RESI staff leverage Pitt’s intellectual resources to provide curricular, consultative and analytical support regarding ethical, legal and social issues arising in the full range of Pitt’s research activities.

Professor at table
people working in conference room
Information Sessions
Resources

RESI gathers and creates resources for scholars and researchers. These include guidance documents, in-depth discussions of ethical issues, and information about research ethics forums. Suggestions of additional resources may be made to: RESI@pitt.edu.

Communicating about research to people outside a specific field or outside academia requires commitment, resources, and practice. 

Communication about Research

Pitt offers opportunities to learn about research ethics issues in courses, lecture series, workshops and discussion groups.

Courses & Curriculum Development

There is a wealth of guidance published to aid in research design and conduct. Some are binding regulations; others are advisory. 

Guidance & Regulation

The RESI Bookshelf provides links to key books and articles on research ethics.

Bookshelf

Find resources and upcoming events about Generative AI.

Resources on Generative AI

View previous RESI events.

Archived Events