Leading with Principles: Ethics

Ethical decision-making is foundational to responsible practice in materials science and engineering, where technical expertise directly shapes research integrity, public safety, and societal trust. STEM professionals play a critical role not only in adhering to ethical standards but also in actively teaching and modeling ethical behavior within academic, industrial, and public-facing environments. Ethical challenges in this field arise across multiple dimensions, including the responsible use and stewardship of technical tools and resources (e.g., establishing, maintaining, and securing experimental systems and data), the appropriate application of disciplinary knowledge in research and practice, and the navigation of professional relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and the broader public.

This session introduces participants to structured approaches for recognizing and addressing ethical issues commonly encountered in materials-focused research and practice. Drawing on educational content developed through the CyberAmbassador Program, funded by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1730137, the session emphasizes practical skill-building through reflection, discussion, and applied exercises.

Participants will engage with real-world scenarios to identify sources of ethical dilemmas, explore how disciplinary codes of ethics inform professional conduct, and practice articulating ethical challenges in both research and applied settings. The session will also introduce structured ethical decision-making frameworks, enabling attendees to evaluate complex situations and determine appropriate courses of action. Through guided reflection, participants will assess how ethical principles apply to their own work environments and identify opportunities to integrate these practices into their daily professional activities.

By fostering awareness, dialogue, and practical application, this session aims to strengthen participants’ ability to lead with integrity, contribute to ethical research cultures, and uphold the standards of the materials science and engineering profession.