D2AIR: Assessment

Assessment for part one

The AREA framework suggests the following steps to developing a responsible research plan: 

• Anticipate outcomes
• Reflect on motivation, processes and products
• Engage with stakeholder
• Act responsively

You should develop a plan for your own research, following this structure, and using relevant tools that have been introduced during the course. The plan should be around 4-5 pages long (a brief introduction and around one page per step, but this is flexible). The plan should be submitted by 28 February, by email as a PDF document to B.Webb@ed.ac.uk. 

Note that this plan is intended to be a living document, updated throughout your PhD. The feedback for the submitted plan will be provided in a face-to-face meeting where immediate updates will be suggested. You should subsequently aim to update the document at least annually , or better, whenever new information comes to light that seems relevant. 

Marking scheme:

10% Anticipation: The technical, social and environmental impacts of your planned research are described in relation to social values, needs and expectations. There is consideration of possible indirect effects, who might be excluded from benefits, and potential risks.

10% Reflection: There is consideration of the existing processes to support RRI in the student's own approach, and their immediate (e.g. research team) and wider (e.g. University) research environment. Relevant regulations, standards and ethical issues are considered, including what opposed opinions might exist, and the accessibility of the outputs.

20% Engagement: A broad range of stakeholders are identified. It is determined what input, when, from who, should be most helpful to ensure the project aligns to societal values, needs and expectations. Consideration is given to how under-represented groups, and the wider public, will be reached.

40% Act: In relation to the sections above, a clear plan is developed for 1) What you should learn more about to support responsibility; 2) What changes in the process of your research could enhance responsibility; 3) How you plan to engage; 4) How you will monitor considerations of responsibility throughout your PhD (note these specific topic headings are not required and some actions might be given more emphasis than others, as appropriate)

20% Quality of report: Clear structure and clear writing, coherent connection of the sections, appropriate use and citation of supporting information.