Papers by Matthias Kaiser
Science and Engineering Ethics, Dec 21, 2021
This article presents results from the national survey conducted in 2018 for the project Research... more This article presents results from the national survey conducted in 2018 for the project Research Integrity in Norway (RINO). A total of 31,206 questionnaires were sent out to Norwegian researchers by e-mail, and 7291 responses were obtained. In this paper, we analyse the survey data to determine attitudes towards and the prevalence of fabrication, falsification and plagiarism (FFP) and contrast this with attitudes towards and the prevalence of the more questionable research practices (QRPs) surveyed. Our results show a relatively low percentage of self-reported FFPs (0.2-0.3%), while the number of researchers who report having committed one of the QRPs during the last three years reached a troublesome 40%. The article also presents a ranking of the perceived severity of FFP and QRPs among Norwegian researchers. Overall, there is a widespread normative consensus, where FFP is considered more troublesome than QRPs.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 2004
Health Research Policy and Systems, Mar 22, 2021
Background: This paper critically discusses the use and merits of global indices, in particular, ... more Background: This paper critically discusses the use and merits of global indices, in particular, the Global Health Security Index (GHSI; Cameron et al. . ghsin dex. org/#l-secti on--map) in times of an imminent crisis, such as the current pandemic. This index ranked 195 countries according to their expected preparedness in the case of a pandemic or other biological threat. The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic provides the background to compare each country's predicted performance from the GHSI with the actual performance. In general, there is an inverted relation between predicted versus actual performance, i.e. the predicted top performers are among those that are the worst hit. Obviously, this reflects poorly on the potential policy uses of this index in imminent crisis management. The paper analyses the GHSI and identifies why it may have struggled to predict actual pandemic preparedness as evidenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The paper also uses two different data sets, one from the Worldmeter on the spread of the Covid-19 pandemics, and the other from the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) Evidence-to-Policy Tracker, to draw comparisons between the actual introduction of pandemic response policies and the corresponding death rate in 29 selected countries. Results: This paper analyses the reasons for the poor match between prediction and reality in the index, and mentions six general observations applying to global indices in this respect. These observations are based on methodological and conceptual analyses. The level of abstraction in these global indices builds uncertainties upon uncertainties and hides implicit value assumptions, which potentially removes them from the policy needs on the ground. From the analysis, the question is raised if the policy community might have better tools for decisionmaking in a pandemic. On the basis of data from the INGSA Evidence-to-Policy Tracker, and with backing in studies from social psychology and philosophy of science, some simple heuristics are suggested, which may be more useful than a global index.
arXiv (Cornell University), Mar 31, 2021
We argue for a foundational epistemic claim and a hypothesis about the production and uses of mat... more We argue for a foundational epistemic claim and a hypothesis about the production and uses of mathematical epidemiological models, exploring the consequences for our political and socio-economic lives. First, in order to make the best use of scientific models, we need to understand why models are not truly representational of our world, but are already pitched towards various uses. Second, we need to understand the implicit power relations in numbers and models in public policy, and, thus, the implications for good governance if numbers and models are used as the exclusive drivers of decision making.
FINAL ANALYSIS AND REPORT FEEDBACK TO PARTICIPANTS * Send draft of the workshop data analysis bac... more FINAL ANALYSIS AND REPORT FEEDBACK TO PARTICIPANTS * Send draft of the workshop data analysis back to participants to allow them to check and review the representation of their input ANALYSIS OF THE DATA BY FACILITATOR * Qualitative analysis of the discussion * Quantitative analysis of data * Qualitative analysis of the feedback forms * Report on findings WORKSHOP * Opening session that defines the methodology, sets out the aims of the meeting, clarifies the context of the discussions and clarifies the reporting process for the presenting the results of the meeting. * Balanced presentation of experts' views * Work through the cells of the matrix in a series of discussion sessions * Conclude with an overview session that draws out participants' overview of the issues * Completion of the feedback forms PARTICIPANT INVITATION * Clarify the terms of reference for the workshop * Clarify the reporting procedure and the role of each participant * Send out participant documents including a description of the method and topic briefing paper SELECT WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS * Define the relevant Stakeholders * Determine the relevant areas of expertise * Ensure that there is a diversity of opinion and interests represented FEEDBACK FORMS * Prepare meeting feedback forms to review process and the methodology * Prepare SWOT analysis forms for assessing the methodology WORKSHOP MATERIALS * Prepare an introductory presentation * Define the meeting sessions * Define the role of the facilitator * Prepare a briefing paper on the key ethical issues WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES * Define the aim of the workshop * Define the scope of the discussion * Define the outcomes expected from the workshop DEFINE THE ETHICAL MATRIX * Define the relevant interest groups * Define the specifications of principles for each of the cells DEFINE SUBJECT AREA * Consideration of the technological claims * Consideration of key ethical issues associated with implementing the technology
Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained... more Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. -Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research.
Food ethics, Aug 1, 2017
Recent and dramatic knowledge depreciation has raised the need for science to take an active role... more Recent and dramatic knowledge depreciation has raised the need for science to take an active role in the public debate and widen the reference frames. Publishing appealing narratives introducing a common reference frame may provide positive identification stimuli. The traditional voice of science hasrightly or wronglybeen conceived and portrayed as dry and lifeless, not capable of guiding our policies towards a future we want. In times when even simple facts are questioned, and society is more and more dependent on scientific rigor underpinning its policy decisions, academics have high responsibilities. The flip-side of responsibility is trust. If trust in us as individual scientists or in science as a social institution is eroded, then why take on responsibility? In regard to the topics of this journal, ethical issues of trust point us at least in two directions: one in the direction of the food we eat, as trust in the good qualities of this food; the other points us to those who know something more about this food than most people, the scientists who study, develop and deal with food. Trust seems such an innocent term, but as soon as we look into the matter a bit deeper, far reaching implications occur . We all know that trust is easily lost, but hard to re-gain. What triggers trust? What qualities convey trust and what features reduce trust? We do not have answers to all these important questions, but we believe that this issue of Food Ethics throws light on various aspects connected to trust. The paper^How to Label 'Natural' Foods: A matter of Complexity^by Sandin discusses the complexity of the concept of naturalness. This opens up for different interpretations by the producer or manufacturer and the consumer which may give rise to tension. Furthermore, it suggests labelling to reflect the complexity of any food item.
Food from the Oceans is the first Evidence Review Report published by the SAPEA consortium. SAPEA... more Food from the Oceans is the first Evidence Review Report published by the SAPEA consortium. SAPEA is an integral part of the European Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) and this report demonstrates the outstanding commitment and knowledge of experts who were nominated by academies and learned societies. Interdisciplinarity and world-class expertise from across Europe are SAPEA’s core strengths. We assembled two international working groups for Food from the Oceans, covering both the natural sciences and the humanities/social sciences. We were delighted with SAPEA’s collaboration with the High-Level Group of Scientific Advisers (HLG), which has proved so effective in Food from the Oceans. Our Evidence Review Report informs the Scientific Opinion of the HLG. They are published together, and the aim is for them to be used by the European Commission in planning and policymaking across a range of areas. Academia Europaea performed the role of Lead Academy for the Food from the Oceans Evid...
Environmental Science & Policy, 2020
How to tackle uncertainties and ensure quality in integrated assessment for sustainability? To wh... more How to tackle uncertainties and ensure quality in integrated assessment for sustainability? To what extent does the choice of the methodology condition the narrative produced by the analysis? The present work argues that the two questions are tightly coupled. The technique is never neutral. If we are the tools of our tools, as suggested by Thoreau, then it can also be said that language is not only a vehicle for communication, it is the driver as well. For this reason, in sustainability assessment it is not unusual to discern a close relationship between arguments made and methods adopted. In the present work a set of six reflexive analytical toolswe call them lensesis suggested which could be pooled to the effect to appraise and improve the quality of integrated assessment and the resulting sustainability narratives, and to alleviate the constraints of the method-argument dependency. None of the lenses is new and each has been used before. Never have they been used together. The lenses are (i) Post-normal science (PNS), (ii) Controversy studies, (iii) Sensitivity auditing, (iv) Bioeconomics, (v) Ethics of science for governance, and (vi) Non-Ricardian economics. The six lenses are illustrated together with a set of case/narratives/arguments. The lenses allow some narrativesor methodologiesto be shown as either implausible or inadequate, and new narratives to be developed to tackle pressing sustainability issues, which expand the horizon of possible strategies for a solution. "It is not uncommon for political programs to be decided in advance simply by the choice of what expert representatives are included in the circle of advisers."
Ethics and the Politics of Food, 2006
Basic research into nanoscience has shown tremendous potential for the use of nanotechnology to i... more Basic research into nanoscience has shown tremendous potential for the use of nanotechnology to improve food safety and nutritional composition, so-called nanofood. Nanotechnology may for instance provide solutions to nanoscale biosensors for pathogen detection and to delivery systems for bioactive ingredients in foodstuffs through improved knowledge of food materials and their uptake at the nanoscale. However, researchers and society in general need to be aware of the risk that nanofood may suffer the same destiny as Genetically Modified (GM) crops, which have been boycotted by consumers in many parts of the world. This paper outlines the lessons to be learnt from the public debate on GM crops. Public acceptance of nanotechnology is assumed to depend on confidence, which is created through information, education, openness and debate. However, empirical studies indicate that public attitudes towards biotechnology are shaped not only by information, education, openness and debate but also by risk perception and by moral and democratic considerations. This paper shows that from these empirical studies we can learn that public information on nanofood should address political, sociological and ethical aspects to meet the public requirements. The humanities and the social sciences do research into several of these aspects, for instance, they reflect on the objectives we wish to realise by introducing new technology and the values at stake. These reflections aim not to build trust and acceptance in the public, but to critically assess new technology so that the public can make informed judgement.
Humanities & social sciences communications, Feb 14, 2024
This is a conceptual and methodological paper about improving our notion of human values. While i... more This is a conceptual and methodological paper about improving our notion of human values. While it is recognized that talk of values has become increasingly popular in many walks of life, it is claimed that this is not underpinned by solid scientific contributions or a robust theory of values. Two initial claims set the scene for the paper: (1) there is no generally accepted theory of values, and (2) values are notoriously elusive. However, the paper acknowledges the problem that a better grasp on people's values is needed for addressing the complex issues of our present-day life. An attempt is made to present an outline for an empirical axiology. After a brief historical overview of value discussions in social theory and philosophy, it is claimed that the empirical study of values needs to get around several hurdles: values-as-truisms, belief in articulated values, belief in deep and hidden values. However, combining several research methods may give first indications of what here is called value landscapes. A conceptual model of values in these landscapes would need to be multi-dimensional, with the tentative characteristics of proximity, intensity, contextuality, and malleability. The paper calls for transdisciplinary research designs to probe these conceptual insights.
Reindeer Husbandry
This chapter includes transdisciplinary analysis, ethical considerations, and guidelines about co... more This chapter includes transdisciplinary analysis, ethical considerations, and guidelines about co-producing research across science and Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge systems, particularly in the Arctic region in times of environmental and climatic change. The authors intend to reach out to many readers with different backgrounds and interests. The study employs inter- and transdisciplinary framing of the knowledge systems. This includes an implicit criticism of the typical narrowing of study to disciplinary siloes. It is claimed that traditional academic research misses the importance and positive contributions of different knowledge traditions and thought styles, and it is further claimed that inclusivity of these traditions is an ethical component of responsible research. In this sense, it is hoped that the following chapter inspires researchers to transcend institutionalized knowledge framings and opt for co-production of knowledge that is ethically responsive to rich...
Science and Engineering Ethics, Dec 1, 2002
During the fall of 2001 (October 22-25), The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) and ... more During the fall of 2001 (October 22-25), The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) and the Agricultural University of Norway arranged a consensus conference on the protection of the environment against ionising radiation. The motive for the conference was the need to study the ethical and philosophical basis for protection of nature in its own right. The conference was funded by Nordic Nuclear Safety Research (NKS), in cooperation with the International Union of Radioecology (IUR). The National Committee for Research Ethics in Science and Technology (NENT) was hired as facilitators for the consensus process. This paper will give a brief outline of the aims and method of the conference, distinguishing these from other kinds of consensus conferences. The paper ends with some general reflections on the appropriateness of seeking consensus on ethics-related issues among experts. Background on consensus conferences Consensus conferences have been organised since the 1980s and exist now in different formats in a variety of countries. One of the main origins of the consensus conference format was the American science courts. The idea behind these events was the perceived concern about scientists going out of their role and publicly advocating views on public policy without having a proper scientific foundation for it. In the noise of the media coverage the scientific picture might get lost and the public would form opinions based on one-sided information. The science court was conceived as an arena where the scientists would have to defend their statements in front of the best science
PubMed, Apr 1, 2005
This paper addresses the ethical issues involved in animal biotechnology. Considerable advances i... more This paper addresses the ethical issues involved in animal biotechnology. Considerable advances in this field have been made with transgenic fish, which may be the first real test case for regulatory bodies. Intrinsic concerns about animal biotechnology are often voiced in public debate, and the paper presents and critically discusses these issues. Even though these concerns may be hard to reconcile with standards of rational argument, they might still have practical consequences for ethical policy making. Animal welfare and environmental issues are discussed as the most salient extrinsic concerns about animal biotechnology. The most serious obstacle to a good risk assessment of animal biotechnology is the extent of scientific uncertainty. Ethical assessments need to address these uncertainties upfront, and the precautionary principle provides a good criterion for responsible policies. At the end of the paper, a practical method for the ethical assessment of animal biotechnology, the so-called ethical matrix, is briefly presented and discussed.
13. The Ethics and Sustainability of Aquaculture
Revue Scientifique Et Technique De L Office International Des Epizooties, Apr 1, 2005
This paper addresses the ethical issues involved in animal biotechnology. Considerable advances i... more This paper addresses the ethical issues involved in animal biotechnology. Considerable advances in this field have been made with transgenic fish, which may be the first real test case for regulatory bodies. Intrinsic concerns about animal biotechnology are often voiced in public debate, and the paper presents and critically discusses these issues. Even though these concerns may be hard to reconcile with standards of rational argument, they might still have practical consequences for ethical policy making. Animal welfare and environmental issues are discussed as the most salient extrinsic concerns about animal biotechnology. The most serious obstacle to a good risk assessment of animal biotechnology is the extent of scientific uncertainty. Ethical assessments need to address these uncertainties upfront, and the precautionary principle provides a good criterion for responsible policies. At the end of the paper, a practical method for the ethical assessment of animal biotechnology, the so-called ethical matrix, is briefly presented and discussed.
Development of international guidelines for research ethics
Science and Engineering Ethics, Jun 1, 1999
Barbara Mishkin predicts that the international character of scientific research may bring about ... more Barbara Mishkin predicts that the international character of scientific research may bring about uniform, worldwide scientific and ethical standards for research. Despite the variation amongEuropean countries when it comes to dealing with scientific misconduct, and the fact that part of the ongoing debate is embedded within discussions of much wider ethical issues than scientific dishonesty, some current developments may indeed foster the harmonizing of adopted standards and procedures within research ethics. Mishkin has written a very interesting paper on ...
Synthese, Oct 1, 1991
Assuming an essential difference between scientific data and phenomena, this paper argues for the... more Assuming an essential difference between scientific data and phenomena, this paper argues for the view that we have to understand how empirical findings get transformed into scientific phenomena. The work of scientists is seen as largely consisting in constructing these phenomena which are then utilized in more abstract theories. It is claimed that these matters are of importance for discussions of theory choice and progress in science. A case study is presented as a starting point: paleomagnetism and the use of paleomagnetic data in early discussions of continental drift. Some general features of this study are presented in formalized language. It is suggested that the presentation given is particularly suited for a semantic conception of theories. Even though the construction of scientific phenomena is the main topic of this paper, the view presented here is more adapted to realism than social construetivism.
Introduction to the special issue on the precautionary principle
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Papers by Matthias Kaiser