RESponsible research and innovation grounding practices in BIOSciences

Since 2011, the European Union, has been doing substantial investments (currently through the Horizon 2020 Programme), launching a  strategy related to the responsible research and innovation and open science concept, and producing experiences, models, tools, and indicators. This knowledge and practice can be used now as the basis for the consolidation of the results obtained, also in view of the next research and innovation Programme Horizon Europe.

Within this framework, this proposal for SwafS 5 (called RESBIOS - RESponsible research and innovation grounding practices in BIOSciences) has the primary objective to deeply embedding RRI practices within 4 Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) in the field of Biosciences from 4 European countries (member state and associated countries), through the implementation of a set of RRI Grounding Actions (GAs) as indicated in the topic. These various GAs will aim at achieving a set of institutional changes in the various institutions related to RRI keys (education, gender, public engagement, ethics, open access, governance). Through the institutional changes, the GAs will contribute to expand one or more of the MoRRI indicators, and Sustainable Development Goals  mentioned in the topic. . The project will benefit from a mutual learning activity based on the interaction between the four partners implementing GAs (“RRI beginners”) and   some other partners (so called “RRI mentors”) whose experience derives from their participation in a similar  still ongoing project named STARBIOS2[1] devoted to strengthening responsible research and innovation in biosciences. The mentors will provide the implementing organisations suggestions, advice and indications for action, throughout the lifespan of  the project, aimed at supporting them in the process towards institutional and sustainable changes through the Grounding Actions.

RESBIOS is focused on the biosciences sector, which undoubtedly is one of the crossroads in the relations between science and society. In fact in the last decades this sector is being put under pressure by a huge number of  changes in the sector and societal challenges connected to the public debate, which would need to be dealt with through  an RRI approach to mitigate the risks stemming from inadequate connection with society.