Building capacity for Responsible Research and Innovation in Armenia

From 17-19 May 2019, I contributed to the Responsible Research and Innovation Course (RRIC) workshop organised by the Young Chemists Association and IPR Armenia OSA Student Chapter, Institute for Physical Research ( www.ipr.sci.am ) in Apaga resort , Yenokavan, Armenia. Some 20 young scientists participated in a “walkshop” to get to know each other, lectures, case studies and exercises, as well as team building games and outdoor activities. My eight contributions were divided in three themes. Theme 1 – Philosophy enhances understanding of real-world problems, instilled the notion that ethics is more than just following rules, but also implies reflecting about future consequences and living up to the norms and values you have been raised in by your parents. Theme 2 – innovation undermines laws, fostered understanding that progress in science and technology escapes existing legal frameworks adopted to protect society. This raises ethical dilemmas which must be resolved through dialogue and eventually new or adapted regulation. Dual use dilemmas are especially addressed, because of their relatively high risk for society. Theme 3: interdisciplinary multistakeholder governance, stimulated the participants to explore what researchers and other stakeholders can do to contribute to collective responsible governance of research.