login

A PRIM&R Symposium

Balancing Innovation and Ethics Artificial Intelligence in Research

Thursday, December 18, 2025 1:00–3:30 PM ET

Register Here

Overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming research across disciplines and around the world—raising urgent ethical questions that challenge traditional oversight and regulatory frameworks. This PRIM&R symposium brings together leading experts to examine how AI is reshaping research design, data integrity, human subject protections, and decision-making. Through sessions highlighting real-world applications—from organ transplantation and drug development to data governance and public interest technology—presenters will explore both the opportunities and the ethical complexities of integrating AI into research. Topics include equity and usability in algorithmic design, evolving standards for data transparency, and the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and administrators in adapting oversight to new technologies. Designed for professionals in research ethics, compliance, and policy, this program offers practical insights and strategies to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI-driven research across academic, nonprofit, industry, and government settings.

Cost:

Members: $300Nonmembers: $425
Dates are subject to change.
Purchase

Agenda

Session: Doing Public Interest Technology Research: Implications for Research Ethics and Administration Speakers: Francisca Ritcher and Nathan Ensmenger This session examines how public interest technology (PIT) shapes research ethics and oversight. Topics include the evolution of technology and AI in research, the PIT framework, and real-world applications such as integrating experiential knowledge through FAIR2 Data Chats and developing synthetic data from systems containing personally identifiable information.
Session: AI in Drug and Medical Device Development: Perspectives on Research Ethics Speaker: Karla Childers This session examines how artificial intelligence is transforming drug and medical device development and challenges existing research ethics frameworks. Karla Childers will discuss when and how these frameworks may need to evolve to address the ethical complexities introduced by AI-driven innovation.
Session: EthicsBot: Ethics at the Heart and at the Start Speakers: Julie Walsh, PhD, and Eni Mustafaraj, PhD This session explores EthicsBot, a fine-tuned large language model designed to help researchers engage in ethical reasoning during protocol development. Presenters will discuss how AI tools like EthicsBot can foster reflection, enhance ethical awareness, and strengthen responsible research practices.
Session: Appropriate AI for Decision-Making in Organ Transplantation Speaker: Casey Canfield, PhD This session explores how artificial intelligence can improve efficiency in matching donated organs with waiting candidates. Dr. Casey Canfield will highlight the importance of integrating equity, transparency, and usability into AI design from the outset to ensure fair and ethical decision-making.

What Will I Learn?

  • Identify and evaluate emerging ethical concerns in AI-driven research
  • Examine the limitations of existing oversight systems in addressing AI-related protocols
  • Explore practical, adaptable approaches for ethical governance across varied research environments
  • Gain expert insights to strengthen research integrity and participant protections amid rapid technological change

Audience

This program is ideal for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve as AI reshapes the research landscape. Whether you're based in the United States or working with international collaborators, you’ll leave with tools and strategies to support ethical and effective oversight in an AI-enabled future.

Credits Offered

CE Credit

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 2.5 continuing education credit hours for their attendance at this webinar. Certificates of attendance are useful for obtaining CE credits from professional associations. Each association's guidelines for accepting CE credit hours (in-person or virtual) may differ. Please consult the appropriate association representative for information on if, and how many, CE credits from this PRIM&R webinar may be used.

CIP®/CPIA® Credit

This program is under review by the CIP®/CPIA® Council for recertification by continuing education credit hours.