Day 2
Session 4
Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise & Community Reflection

Find out more about this session

1. What is the main focus of this session?

This session is a hands-on, collaborative workshop designed to explore real-world ethical dilemmas in data stewardship. Participants will engage in group-based case analysis and practical problem-solving to strengthen their confidence in addressing challenges related to privacy, transparency, and Open Science compliance. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the session emphasizes applied learning and reflection through guided exercises.

2. Who is this session designed for?

The session is tailored for early-career data stewards but also welcomes RDM professionals, researchers, and stakeholders involved in Open Science policy, data governance, or institutional ethics. It is particularly relevant for those supporting ethical oversight, compliance frameworks, or strategic data handling within research institutions. Please note that this a closed workshop, available upon selection.

3. What types of ethical dilemmas will we explore?

Participants will analyze three realistic scenarios that commonly arise in data stewardship practice: (1) the anonymization of data from small populations, (2) legal restrictions around cross-border data sharing, and (3) responding to a data breach within a research project. Each case will serve as the basis for group discussion, analysis, and proposed resolution strategies.

4. What makes this session different from other ethics trainings?

Unlike traditional ethics sessions that focus on lectures or abstract principles, this session emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. While participants will be introduced to ethical frameworks relevant to FAIR and Open Science, the core value of the session lies in applying those principles to complex, ambiguous scenarios in a team-based format. This balance ensures a more practical, real-world approach to ethical reasoning.

5. Will I work in a team?

Yes. Each participant will be assigned to a small peer group and tasked with analyzing one of the three ethical scenarios. Groups will collaborate in breakout rooms to assess the dilemma, debate possible approaches, and propose a practical solution. The session concludes with a plenary debrief, where groups present their findings and engage in collective discussion.

6. How does this session support my professional development?

By participating in this session, you will develop practical skills in ethical reasoning, decision-making, and documenting ethical processes in data stewardship. You will also learn how to navigate institutional challenges and better understand how transparency, accountability, and FAIR principles intersect with daily research support responsibilities.

7. Will we connect our cases to real institutional contexts?

Yes. After group work, the session transitions into a reflective dialogue where participants can share how similar ethical challenges manifest within their own institutions, countries, or disciplines. This allows for cross-institutional learning and recognition of diverse ethical norms and governance practices.

8. Is there a collective output or resource?

No formal shared output will be collected during this session. However, all materials and resources introduced by the trainer will be made available through the OpenPlato environment. Participants are encouraged to revisit these resources after the session and use them within their own institutional contexts.

9. How interactive is the session?

This is a highly interactive session. You will take part in breakout group discussions, scenario-based exercises, and a collective plenary debrief. The session is structured to foster peer engagement, reflective practice, and collaborative ethical decision-making. All activities are supported through the OpenPlato LMS, where additional materials and guidance will be provided.

10. How can I join this session?

This session is part of the closed workshops within the bootcamp and is available only to selected participants. Selection is based on registration order and compatibility with the session’s focus, particularly participants with existing or emerging roles in data stewardship. Participation in at least one closed workshop is required to receive the certificate of completion.

Meet Our Trainers & Mentors

card image

Obrad Vučkovac

Head of Library Services Repository Manager Scholarly Communications Support

VINCA Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade

Serbia

Obrad Vučkovac

Obrad Vučkovac, Head of Library Services and Repository Manager in Serbia, is an experienced research librarian specializing in scholarly communication, Open Science, RDM, metadata, repositories, and innovative research support for multidisciplinary environments..

13:30–13:40 — Ethics in Practice: Introduction & Framing

Begin with a short orientation that frames the session's goals and explains how ethical decision-making is central to FAIR and Open Science. Participants are introduced to the case-based group format and the three real-world dilemmas they’ll explore.

13:40–14:20 — Breakout Groups: Real-World Ethical Dilemmas

In assigned breakout groups, participants tackle one of three dilemmas:

Anonymizing small datasets
Cross-border data sharing restrictions
Responding to a data breach in research
Groups analyze the issues, debate possible solutions, and document a proposed response.

14:20–14:40 — Plenary Debrief & Cross-Institutional Reflection

Each group presents their response to the plenary. A moderated discussion follows, allowing participants to reflect on how similar challenges arise in their own institutions, disciplines, or national contexts.

14:40–15:00 — Ethics and Stewardship: Wrap-Up & Insights

Close with guided reflection on key takeaways, focusing on the intersection of openness, institutional governance, and compliance. Participants will gain confidence and clarity on navigating ethical challenges in their roles as data stewards.

Why Join: Strengthen Your Applied Ethics Skills in Data Stewardship

This interactive 90-minute session is designed for early-career data stewards, researchers, and RDM professionals. You’ll explore real ethical dilemmas, build peer connections, and sharpen your skills in ethical reasoning and decision-making. It’s a practical, discussion-rich session that helps you connect policy with everyday data practices.

Training organized in collaboration with

Wanna dive deeper and get certified?

Register here to join our closed and advanced-level workshops on FAIR Research Data Management & Data Stewardship.
Closed workshops are marked with a star.

Spaces are limited – priority is given to early-career data stewards with relevant experience that register first.

You will receive all necessary info's for Certificate of Completion upon selection.

Join our RDM Working Group

For becoming part of our Research Data Management community contact us by signing up below and we will come back to you asap.

Day 2
Session 4
Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise & Community Reflection

Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise & Community Reflection

Obrad Vučkovac

Obrad Vučkovac

Why Join: Strengthen Your Applied Ethics Skills in Data Stewardship

Training organized in collaboration with

Wanna dive deeper and get certified?

Join our RDM Working Group

Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise

Helpdesk

Links

Newsletter

Day 2Session 4Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise & Community Reflection

Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise & Community Reflection

Obrad Vučkovac

Obrad Vučkovac

Why Join: Strengthen Your Applied Ethics Skills in Data Stewardship

Wanna dive deeper and get certified?

Join our RDM Working Group

Helpdesk

Links

Newsletter

Day 2
Session 4
Ethics in Action: Scenario Based Group Exercise & Community Reflection