Welcome to the irecs Project Learning Resources
The irecs learning materials have been developed to support learning about the ethics issues associated with research and development of emerging technologies.
They focus upon four technologies:
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Artificial intelligence in healthcare
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Gene editing
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Biobanking
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Extended reality
You can watch this short video to hear from the leader of the irecs project, Prof Dirk Lanzerath;
On the next page you will find the modules that have been designed for self-directed online learning. They are all open access; there is no charge for accessing the irecs learning materials.
The irecs resources do not have to be studied in any particular order. Users of these resources are encouraged to construct their own path by selecting the modules that are most applicable to their own learning needs.
In summary:
There are five Stage 1 modules which offer an introduction to research ethics and integrity. These modules will be useful for students and researchers who want to learn more about research ethics and integrity in general.
There are eight Stage 2 modules which focus on the four emerging technologies. For each technology, there are two modules: one introduces the technology basics, and the second details the ethics issues related to that technology. The technology basics modules are designed for use by anyone else who is interested in learning more about the technology, including research ethics reviewers. The technology ethics issues modules are designed for use by students, researchers, and research ethics reviewers.
First, some guidance on how to use the learning materials.
You can download a PDF version of the guidance here: