In the context of the development of innovative approaches and tools designed to integrate ethics-by-design principles into research processes -one of the main objectives of the CHANGER project- the coordinator NCSR Demokritos hosted the first Pilot Workshop in Athens on 27 and 28 February 2025. This event brought together more than 20 experts and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to integrating ethics-by-design principles into research processes.

The CHANGER project aims to enhance the effectiveness of research ethics reviews by strengthening researchers’ capacities to incorporate ethical considerations in project design and implementation. Additionally, it supports the capacity-building of Research Ethics Committees (RECs) to tackle the emerging challenges posed by new technologies and evolving research practices.

Key objectives of the workshop

The Athens Pilot Workshop served as a platform to test and refine new methodologies developed within the CHANGER project. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, brainstorming and discussions to evaluate tools designed to enhance the consistency, quality, and efficiency of current ethics review mechanisms. Through interactive sessions, experts assessed the applicability of these tools in real-world ethics reviews, contributing valuable feedback to improve their usability and effectiveness.

Highlights of the Workshop

• Expert Participation: The workshop featured contributions from leading researchers and REC members from various European regions, ensuring diverse perspectives on research ethics.
• Presentation of CHANGER tools: Participants were introduced to methodologies developed within the project and had the opportunity to select tools relevant to their expertise.
• Practical Implementation: Small group exercises allowed attendees to apply the tools to hypothetical and real-life research ethics cases, followed by detailed reporting sessions.
• Collaborative Feedback: Discussions focused on refining these methodologies and ensuring their alignment with contemporary ethical standards.

The outcomes of the Pilot Workshop will be instrumental in the further development of CHANGER’s ethics review tools. The project continues to foster collaboration among researchers and ethics committees, aiming to establish best practices that will shape the future of ethical research across Europe.