Event 12: Lancaster University Three Day Course on

Research Ethics and the Media
14th-16th September 2009

This exciting workshop – the final one in a three year long sequence of training workshops in research ethics - will explore contentious and pressing moral issues arising from the relationship between the media and research. How should researchers present their findings in the media? What are the responsibilities of the media in presenting work? Should researchers respect people’s privacy? Is it wrong to exploit people and why? Should academics be prepared to employ emotional means to persuade others?

The workshop trainers are academics and practitioners with a wealth of experience in research and in the media. They include:
Mike Jempson is a journalist, author and trainer, with over 30 years experience in print, broadcasting and public relations. Since 1996 he has been Director of The MediaWise Trust, which he co-founded with 'survivors of media abuse' in 1993. Mike provides its public voice in the media, advises individuals and organisations with complaints about the media. Working with UN agencies and the International Federation of Journalists, he has devised and delivered training for journalists and NGOs in more than 30 African, Asian and European countries on coverage of children, diversity, health, human rights, refugees and suicide, and on media regulation and press freedom issues.

David Archard is Professor of Philosophy and Public Policy at Lancaster University. He has published numerous articles, chapters, and several books on matters of contemporary ethical importance such as the rights of children and on how the law should regulate sexual behaviour. He is a member of the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and its research Licence Committee; he was also Deputy Chair of a much publicised 2007 Nuffield Council on Bioethics Working Party on the ethics of medical treatment for seriously premature babies. He has contributed to a key collection on Media Ethics.

Victoria Tyrrell is Lancaster University’s senior Press Officer. She has a wealth of experience both as a print and media journalist herself, and over the years in publicising the work of academics.

Download booking form here.