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Events
Committees
Workshops
Media
Corporations
Your Research Image
Participating in Events, Workshops and Media Interviews
Purpose
Participating in public facing events brings several new elements to the partnership. Understanding exactly your role and requirements to participate in public engagement is key to safeguarding yourself and your work. This section presents a selection of considerations that we suggest you consider before confirming your participation or engaging with corporate events.
We identify six main ethics challenges which should be considered when participating in public activities regarding your research:
Exploitation
The threat of exploitation is a primary concern, particularly when there is a large power imbalance between an individual, independent researcher and a large, financially stable corporation.
Use caution when telling stories to demonstrate issues. Protect research subjects from exploitation, even in your own behaviour.
Transparency
Before participating in public events, be sure to push for transparency from corporate partners. Know where you stand and what you are standing for.
Additionally, be transparent about funding and corporate partnerships you have engaged.
Ethics Washing
Akin to “greenwashing” in which corporations rebrand environmentally harmful products under the veneer and title of eco-friendly, ethics washing campaigns are a corporate tactic in which steps towards ethical and safe practices are taken, but only limited and partial ways.
As respected critical researchers, we need to always ensure our efforts are not helping relieve social and critical pressure on corporations when it is undue.
Ensure the corporation is not using your image to reframe your work and your profile as a confirmation or an assent to their practices.
Conflict of Interest
Actual and perceived conflicts of interest may arise, particularly when corporate finances are involved.
You must safeguard your work against the creep of corporate interests and be sure to protect your image, how the corporation is publicly presenting you, your research, and the partnership.
If events are fully or partially funded with corporate funding, this needs to be declared.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
An integral aspect of considering public representation of your work and your participation in public events is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Be sure to press organizing committees, participants, and corporations to prioritize DEI in all knowledge mobilization events, and push for more than simply “add diversity and stir” measures.
Be aware of the essential value of diversity, the necessary steps to take towards equity, and implement the necessary and appropriate measures for inclusivity.
Accountability
Consider the extent to which corporations and other large players in the tech world will be held accountable and responsible for their products and practices.
Be wary of events or interviews that could be viewed as promotion or endorsement.
Considerations by Event Type
Attending Events
- Are you getting paid? Are your expenses covered?
- Is the composition of the panel or event balanced (e.g. gender, race…)?
- Is this genuine involvement or tokenism (just listing you as a name as a participant)?
- Will the event/panel be public? Will it be recorded, where distributed? Consent to recording?
Participating as an Expert on a Committee
- Is the committee membership public?
- Is the composition of the panel or event balanced (e.g. gender, race…)?
- Is this genuine involvement or tokenism (just listing you as a name as a participant)?
- Will the event/panel be public? Will it be recorded, where distributed? Consent to recording?
- How will the organizers report on the results?
- Do the participants have the freedom to report out on their research activities?
- Are NDAs required?
- Are the participants being made aware of the script/questions that will be asked during the panel?
- Do you get information before hand on what everyone else will be talking about? Questions beforehand? Are you the token opposing voice? Who is the moderator? Are they fair?
Attending Workshops
- Will the list of participants be public?
- Is the composition of the panel or event balanced (e.g. gender, race…)?
- Will the participants’ contributions be made clear?
- Will the participants be able to speak about the details of the workshop (e.g. is there an NDA)?
Giving Media Interviews
- Are the questions available in advance?
- Is the purpose of the article being made clear?
- Is the media outlet reputable for the type of article being proposed?
- What are your media responsibilities under this contract?
Inviting Corporations
- Is the company sponsoring the event?
- Will their participation compromise/undermine the goals of the event?
- Is the company demanding a platform at the event?
- Is the company making any demands to control aspects of the event in return for their participation?
- Will they send someone who is legit or just some random person who has no power/influence?
Media Coverage
The Role of the Media
Media Coverage of AI
The Disproportionate Reporting of
Big Tech
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