Get to know Us

Exploring Ethics in Science & Technology

Shaping Responsible Innovation

Services Contact

Get to know Us

Who we are

Dig4Ethics was founded in 2021. The aim of the company is to provide expertise to organisations, funding bodies and individuals in scientific research and technological innovation, with a particular focus on the ethical, legal, and social aspects of technological development. Our expertise focuses on contributing to the entire research and innovation process from the design and development stages towards deployment.

Our mission

Our main mission is to help organisations and researchers to shape their ideas into responsible research and innovation (RRI).

Services

Project writing & Management

Scientific evaluation & ethics review

Education & training

Ethics & Privacy Expertise

Ethics Mentor (EM) or Ethics Advisor (EA)

Ethics Advisory Board (EAB)

Project writing & Management

Project Writing & Management consists of a comprehensive service that involves the planning, development, and implementation of various projects. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of a project, from the initial concept and design phase to its successful completion. One of the key starting points is project proposal writing, which involves planning and documentation. This includes defining project objectives, outlining the scope of work, establishing timelines and milestones, and identifying the required resources and budgetary considerations. The project writing phase ensures a clear and concise roadmap for the successful implementation of the project.

Once the project is underway, project management comes into play. Project management involves oversight and coordination in all aspects of the project, ensuring that it advances smoothly and stays on track. This includes assigning and managing resources, monitoring progress, identifying and mitigating risks, and communicating with stakeholders. Moreover, it involves effective team coordination, ensuring all team members understand their roles and responsibilities and work together towards a common goal. It requires strong organisational and leadership skills to keep the project team motivated and aligned. Throughout the project lifecycle, one of the main tasks is to ensure effective communication with stakeholders, including clients, team members, and any external parties involved. Regular progress updates, status reports, and timely decision-making are crucial to successful project management.

The Project Writing & Management service combines strategic planning, effective communication, organisational skills, and leadership abilities to complete projects successfully. It provides clients with the necessary expertise and support to ensure that their projects are executed efficiently, on time, within budget, and meet their objectives.

Scientific evaluation & ethics review

Scientific Evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of proposed scientific projects, such as research proposals, experimental methodologies, and data analysis.

The Scientific Evaluation service thoroughly examines the scientific excellence of a research project. Experts in the field review the research proposal, methodologies, and objectives to ensure they align with established scientific principles and contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge. This assessment helps identify any potential flaws, biases, or limitations in the study design that could affect the reliability or validity of the research outcomes.

The Ethics Review is integral to this process, aiming to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of individuals participating in research studies. Ethical considerations encompass various elements of a project, including informed consent procedures, privacy and confidentiality measures, potential risks and benefits, and fair recruitment strategies. The review ensures that research adheres to ethical principles, guidelines, and regulations, which may vary depending on the country or field of study.

By undergoing a Scientific Evaluation & Ethics Review, researchers can gain valuable feedback, suggestions, and recommendations to enhance the quality and integrity of their project proposals and studies. The service helps ensure that research findings are reliable, credible, and ethically sound, benefiting the scientific community and society as a whole.

In summary, the Scientific Evaluation & Ethics Review is a critical service that combines scientific scrutiny and ethical assessment to help researchers maintain the highest possible standards in responsible research and innovation. It comprehensively evaluates research projects, promoting reliability, research integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in scientific endeavours.

Education & training

The Education & Training services refer to various programmes, courses and lectures designed to improve and enhance an individual’s skills and knowledge. The purpose of these services is to help individuals to develop their potential and prepare them for challenges they might encounter in their careers.

Our Education services mainly provide theoretical and practical knowledge in a particular subject or discipline. We aim to provide clients with a strong foundation in their topic of interest, often through lectures, discussions, and practical applications. To complement this, our training services focus on helping individuals develop specific skills and knowledge related to a particular job or profession. These services offer short-term and practical courses and workshops to improve individuals’ skill sets for a specific profession. We aim to provide learners with hands-on experience and activities that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Additionally, these services also include evaluations of educational programmes and training courses offered by third-party providers. They aim to assist individuals, institutions, and organisations in making informed decisions regarding their educational pursuits and investments in professional development. The evaluation and review services involve conducting thorough assessments of various educational offerings, including those in schools, colleges, and universities, and via online platforms, vocational training centres, and corporate training programmes. The reviews aim to serve multiple purposes. Educational institutions can benefit from the feedback provided, using it to enhance their offerings and identify areas where improvements can be made. In addition, we may also provide recommendations and suggestions for improvement, helping educational institutions and training providers enhance the overall quality of their programmes.

Ethics & Privacy Expertise

The Ethics & Privacy Expertise service is a professional and knowledgeable resource that assists individuals and organisations in navigating the complex realms of ethics and privacy. This service allows you to access a wealth of experience and expertise in understanding the ethical implications and privacy considerations associated with various technological advancements (e.g., digital technologies, AI, robotics etc.).

The Privacy Expertise service offered by individual expert is well-versed in legal and regulatory frameworks related to privacy, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and specific professional guidelines. We stay updated with the latest developments in privacy regulations and best practices to ensure clients receive accurate and relevant advice. Moreover, this expertise encompasses a deep understanding of the ethical challenges in today’s digital landscape, including issues like data ethics, algorithmic bias, transparency, explainability, and trustworthy AI. We can analyse complex ethical situations and provide practical solutions that align with legal requirements and moral considerations.

The service offers a holistic approach, with the provision of privacy assessments and audits to identify potential vulnerabilities in data handling practices, and recommends appropriate safeguards. We can also assist in designing and implementing privacy policies, consent mechanisms, and privacy-by-design principles to embed privacy protections into research processes. Their goal is to assist clients in achieving compliance with privacy regulations, fostering responsible data practices, and upholding high ethical standards in their operations.

In addition, we are skilled at providing guidance and training to individuals and teams, helping them understand the importance of ethics and privacy and how to incorporate these principles into their day-to-day activities.

Ethics Mentor (EM) or Ethics Advisor (EA)

The Ethics Mentor (EM) or Ethics Advisor (EA) is a role recently introduced by the European Commission to assist the principal investigator and project consortium on ethical matters relating to a research project. EM/EA is a highly knowledgeable and experienced professional with a deep understanding of ethical principles and their application in various contexts. The EM/EA serves as a trusted consultant, providing valuable insights and guidance on ethical decision-making and behaviour.

The EM/EA possesses a solid academic background in ethics and has extensive practical experience in ethical analysis, allowing them to navigate complex moral dilemmas and provide practical solutions. The EM/EA offers a range of services tailored to each client’s unique requirements. We may conduct ethical audits and assessments, identifying potential ethical risks and vulnerabilities within an organisation’s operations. We also provide guidance on ethical policies and practices, assisting in developing and implementing comprehensive ethical frameworks.

Moreover, the EM/EA plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making. They serve as objective advisor, offering different perspectives and helping clients navigate complex moral dilemmas. They may facilitate discussions, encourage ethical reasoning, and help individuals and teams reach ethical conclusions that uphold their values and align with societal norms.

Overall, the Ethics Mentor (EM) or Ethics Advisor (EA) is a dedicated professional who combines expertise in ethics with strong interpersonal skills. They serve as a trusted guide, helping individuals and organisations navigate ethical challenges, make informed decisions, and create ethical frameworks that contribute to responsible and sustainable innovation.

Ethics Advisory Board (EAB)

The Ethics Advisory Board (EAB), another category recently introduced by the European Commission to assist principal investigators and project consortiums on ethical matters in large and complex research projects, is aimed at providing expert guidance and counsel on ethical issues. Composed of a select group of experienced professionals, the EAB offers an objective and impartial perspective on ethical dilemmas and complex decision-making processes.

The primary purpose of the EAB is to assist individuals, organisations, and businesses in navigating the challenging landscape of ethical issues and challenges. Clients can expect a collaborative and confidential process when engaging with the EAB. The EAB provides a safe space for open dialogue, allowing clients to present their ethical concerns, dilemmas, or questions. The EAB analyses the situation through a systematic and methodical approach, considers various ethical frameworks and principles, and delivers well-informed recommendations or guidance.

The services offered by the EAB may encompass a wide range of areas, such as:
Ethical policy development – Assisting organisations in creating or refining ethical guidelines and policies that align with best research practices and societal expectations.
Ethical decision-making support – Providing advice and insights on ethical challenges faced by individuals or organisations, helping them make informed and morally sound decisions.
Ethical audits and assessments – Conducting comprehensive evaluations of an organisation’s practices, identifying potential ethical issues, and recommending measures to mitigate risks and ensure ethical compliance.
Ethical training and education – Designing and delivering workshops, seminars, or training sessions to enhance ethical awareness and competence within an organisation, fostering a culture of ethical behaviour.

References

               

Contact

DIG4ETHICS, consulting, research & innovation

Anto Čartolovni, PhD, Founder & CEO

Podbrežje VI, br. 9, 10020 Zagreb

contact@dig4ethics.com

00385 91 9481813

OIB: 34332343151
MB: 1234567
www.Dig4Ethics.com

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.