Workshop and Special Issue on Research Ethics in Development Economics
Workshop and Special Issue on Research Ethics in Development Economics supports researchers through discussion and publication on ethical challenges to advance research ethics and norms for sharing results.
Funder: Center for Effective Global Action
Due Dates: December 15, 2026 (Abstract) | June 1, 2027 (Paper draft) | June 10–11, 2027 (Meeting) | Fall 2027 (Expected final drafts)
Funding Amounts: Limited assistance to offset presenter travel costs
Summary: Supports discussion and publication on research ethics in development economics through a hybrid workshop and planned journal special issue.
Key Information: At least one team member must participate in the full June 11, 2027 meeting, in person or online.
Description
The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) invites abstracts addressing ethical challenges in development economics, particularly field experiments and randomized controlled trials. The initiative responds to gaps in standard procedures and the difficulties institutional review boards face when assessing complex field settings. Topics include recruitment and community involvement, informed consent, data privacy and management, trial design, participant benefits and compensation, and returning results to participants.
The workshop, linked to the Africa Evidence Summit in Nairobi, will support sustained discussion and a planned journal special issue. It welcomes work in progress, accounts of ethical dilemmas, projects that did not go as planned, and null or negative findings. The underlying project is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Ethical and Responsible Research program and aims to advance norms for local dissemination and sharing research results with participants.
