USM Leader Contributes to AI-Era Update of Essential Guide to Ethical Research
BALTIMORE (September 17, 2026) — The world’s preeminent primer on ethical research has been updated for the first time in the AI era, and a 海角视频 leader played an important role in shaping it.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) the fourth edition of On Being a Scientist: A Guide to the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research. It is the first revision in 17 years of the organization’s most widely accessed publication, which is used to train graduate and postdoctoral trainees on the underpinnings of conducting research responsibly.
USM Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Michele Masucci co-chaired the committee that updated the publication. “The research enterprise has changed immensely in recent years because of increasing collaboration, growing global competition, and emerging technologies like AI and CRISPR; these changes offer exciting opportunities for the advancement of science but also raise new ethical questions,” Masucci said. “On Being a Scientist is meant to help students and early-career researchers navigate this evolving landscape. We hope the guide will also serve as a framework for responsible research practices for the entire scientific community.”
The fourth edition of On Being a Scientist is taking the form of both a and a soon-to-be-available downloadable book. It is organized into thematic modules such as “Collaborating Responsibly” and “Earning and Maintaining Trust” and reflects the evolution of the scientific enterprise by including topics such as research security.
“Of course, the research landscape has changed dramatically since the last edition of this guide was published,” said USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “But there are principles underpinning our scientific inquiry that do not change—that cannot change—if we’re to keep the public trust in our research. I’m proud and grateful that Vice Chancellor Masucci has a leading role in safeguarding that trust by educating investigators in responsible and ethical conduct.”
Masucci’s extensive work in this field has also included chairing a NASEM workshop, “On Leading a Lab: Strengthening Scientific Leadership in Responsible Research.” She is a member of NASEM’s Government University Philanthropy Research Roundtable Council and Strategic Council for Research Excellence, Security and Trust. Masucci earned her bachelor’s degree from before receiving her master’s and doctorate—both in geography—from Clark University. She holds an appointment as professor at .
Congress mandated the report; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions, but operate under an 1863 congressional charter signed by President Lincoln. It will be translated into additional languages to ensure that the principles espoused for the ethical and responsible conduct of research are widely communicated and adopted.
“No single resource can fully cover the wide range of situations researchers encounter in their work,” said Masucci’s fellow co-chair, Alan Leshner, CEO emeritus of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. “On Being a Scientist offers an introduction to these issues and ways to think about them. The goal is to help researchers recognize the relevant considerations when they arise, ask the right questions, and know where to look for further guidance.”
The project was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Contact: Beau Boughamer
Phone: 410.576.5732
Email: bboughamer@usmd.edu
