Research Ethics

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Conversations on Research Integrity.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Research Ethics with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1747-0161
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2014 to 2024
AbbreviationRES ETHICS-UK / Res. Ethics-UK
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Research Ethics' aims to explore the complexities and challenges surrounding ethical practices in research across various disciplines. It emphasizes the importance of ethical scrutiny in research design, implementation, and dissemination, particularly in vulnerable populations and sensitive contexts.
  1. Ethical Frameworks and Guidelines:
    The journal focuses on the development, analysis, and application of ethical frameworks and guidelines for conducting research, ensuring that researchers adhere to principles of integrity and ethical responsibility.
  2. Informed Consent Processes:
    A significant area of emphasis is on improving informed consent processes, exploring how to ensure participants fully understand their involvement and the implications of research.
  3. Vulnerable Populations:
    The journal highlights ethical considerations when engaging vulnerable populations, including children, minorities, and individuals in crisis situations, ensuring their rights and welfare are prioritized.
  4. Research Integrity and Misconduct:
    Research integrity is a core focus, with discussions surrounding misconduct, including authorship disputes, data fabrication, and the pressures leading to unethical practices.
  5. Interdisciplinary Ethical Considerations:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary discussions on ethics, addressing unique challenges that arise within different fields of research, such as social sciences, health, and AI.
  6. Crisis Situations and Ethics:
    There is a particular interest in how research ethics evolve during crises, such as pandemics or natural disasters, and how these situations impact ethical decision-making.
Recent publications in 'Research Ethics' reveal a dynamic landscape of emerging themes and trends that reflect the evolving nature of research ethics in response to contemporary challenges and advancements. This section highlights key areas gaining prominence.
  1. Dual Use Research:
    There is a growing focus on the ethical implications of dual use research, especially in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, where research can be used for both beneficial and harmful purposes.
  2. Community Engagement and Participation:
    Emerging themes emphasize the importance of community engagement and participatory research methods, particularly in understanding and addressing ethical issues in diverse cultural contexts.
  3. Ethics in Crisis Research:
    The journal is increasingly addressing research ethics in crisis situations, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on rapid response research and the ethical challenges it poses.
  4. Digital and Online Research Ethics:
    With the rise of digital technologies, there is an increasing emphasis on ethical considerations related to online data collection, social media recruitment, and privacy issues in digital research.
  5. AI and Research Ethics:
    The implications of artificial intelligence on research ethics are emerging as a critical theme, exploring both ethical dilemmas and the need for new ethical frameworks in AI research.
  6. Global Collaboration and Ethics:
    There is a notable trend towards examining the ethical dimensions of global research collaborations, particularly in resource-poor settings, emphasizing equity and justice in research practices.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to address a wide array of ethical issues in research, certain themes appear to be losing prominence or frequency in recent publications. These declining areas may reflect shifts in research priorities or emerging issues overshadowing older concerns.
  1. Animal Research Ethics:
    There has been a noticeable reduction in the number of papers focusing on ethical considerations specifically related to animal research, possibly due to a broader focus on human-centered ethical dilemmas in recent years.
  2. Traditional Ethical Review Processes:
    Discussions around traditional institutional review board (IRB) processes have decreased, suggesting a shift towards more innovative and flexible approaches to ethical oversight in research.
  3. Longitudinal Studies on Research Ethics:
    There appears to be fewer longitudinal studies examining the evolution of research ethics over time, which may indicate a current preference for more immediate and context-specific ethical inquiries.
  4. Ethics in Non-Academic Research:
    The focus on ethics in non-academic or grassroots research has waned, possibly as the journal shifts towards more formalized and institutionalized research contexts.
  5. Standardization of Ethical Guidelines:
    The conversations surrounding the standardization of ethical guidelines across disciplines are less frequent, suggesting a move towards recognizing the need for context-specific ethical considerations.

Similar Journals

KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL

Cultivating Critical Thought in Ethics and Health Policy
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 1054-6863Frequency: 4 issues/year

The KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL, published by the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Press, stands as a leading periodical in the realm of ethics, particularly emphasizing the intersection of health policy, social sciences, history, and philosophy of science. With an ISSN of 1054-6863 and an E-ISSN of 1086-3249, this journal has been a cornerstone of ethical discourse since its inception in 1991. Renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, the journal boasts impressive rankings, including Q1 in History and Philosophy of Science and Q2 in Health (Social Science) for 2023. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find this journal invaluable for navigating complex ethical issues, providing a platform for innovative research and discourse. Although currently not offering Open Access, its contributions to the fields of ethics and legal aspects of health are profound, making it an essential resource for those engaged in these critical discussions.

South African Journal of Bioethics and Law

Bridging the gap between ethical considerations and legal frameworks.
Publisher: HEALTH & MEDICAL PUBLISHING GROUPISSN: 1999-7639Frequency: 2 issues/year

South African Journal of Bioethics and Law, published by HEALTH & MEDICAL PUBLISHING GROUP, stands as a vital academic platform for discussions at the intersection of bioethics and legal studies. With an ISSN of 1999-7639, this journal has embraced an Open Access model since 2008, ensuring global accessibility for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. Based in South Africa, the journal operates from PRIVATE BAG X1, PINELANDS, CAPE TOWN 7430, and features diverse articles that span a multitude of pertinent topics across health professions, law, and public health. It proudly holds a Q3 ranking in Health Professions and Law sectors, affirming its status within the scholarly community. Notably, for the year 2023, it has achieved impressive placements in Scopus ranks, reinforcing its commitment to disseminating high-quality research and fostering dialogues that influence policy and practice in these critical domains. Researchers exploring the intricate ethical and legal dimensions of healthcare will find this journal an indispensable resource.

Cuadernos de Bioetica

Navigating the Complexities of Bioethics
Publisher: ASOC ESPANOLA BIOETICA & ETICA MEDICAISSN: 1132-1989Frequency: 4 issues/year

Cuadernos de Bioetica, published by the ASOC ESPANOLA BIOETICA & ETICA MEDICA, is a prominent academic journal dedicated to exploring significant philosophical, ethical, and legal dimensions within the field of bioethics. With an ISSN of 1132-1989 and an E-ISSN of 2386-3773, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students in medicine and related disciplines. Since its inception in 2008, it has consistently provided critical analyses and discussions reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare ethics, contributing notably to the discourse surrounding ethical practices in medicine. Despite its current Q4 ranking in the miscellaneous medicine category, Cuadernos de Bioetica is committed to enhancing its impact and relevance, making it an essential resource for those seeking to navigate the complex ethical challenges in contemporary medical practice. The journal’s reach is underscored by its commitment to fostering open dialogue among diverse stakeholders in the field, encouraging a broad spectrum of contributions to advance knowledge in bioethics.

Journal of Academic Ethics

Exploring the Foundations of Integrity in Academia
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1570-1727Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Academic Ethics, published by Springer, is a premier scholarly outlet dedicated to the exploration and analysis of ethical considerations across various disciplines, including philosophy, education, sociology, and the broader arts and humanities. With an ISSN of 1570-1727 and E-ISSN of 1572-8544, this journal has established itself as a vital resource since its inception in 2005, continuing to provide insightful contributions through 2024. Recognized for its impactful research, it holds esteemed positions in multiple Scopus categories, including a Q1 ranking in both Arts and Humanities (Philosophy) and a Q2 ranking in Education and Sociology. This highlights the journal's significance in fostering ethical discourse among researchers and practitioners alike. Although it does not currently offer open access, the journal's robust academic framework ensures high-quality contributions that advance knowledge and promote critical discussions about ethical practices in academia and beyond. For anyone engaged in ethical inquiries, the Journal of Academic Ethics serves as an indispensable platform for innovative research and scholarly dialogue.

Public Health Ethics

Exploring the Intersection of Ethics and Health Policy
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 1754-9973Frequency: 3 issues/year

Public Health Ethics is a key journal published by Oxford University Press, dedicated to the intersection of public health, ethics, and policy. With an ISSN of 1754-9973 and an E-ISSN of 1754-9981, this journal has been a vital resource since its inception in 2009 and continues to contribute to the discourse until 2024. As a Q3 journal, it holds ranks of #17/46 in 'Nursing - Issues, Ethics and Legal Aspects' and #146/310 in 'Medicine - Health Policy' according to Scopus, reflecting its significance within the research community. The journal aims to address urgent questions and ethical dilemmas faced in public health practice and policy, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students interested in health policy, ethics, and legal implications impacting public health. The absence of open access underlines the journal’s commitment to maintaining high standards of peer-reviewed research, encouraging rigorous scholarship that fosters innovative solutions to pressing public health challenges.

CAMBRIDGE QUARTERLY OF HEALTHCARE ETHICS

Advancing Ethical Standards in Healthcare Practice.
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0963-1801Frequency: 4 issues/year

CAMBRIDGE QUARTERLY OF HEALTHCARE ETHICS is a premier journal published by Cambridge University Press, focusing on significant issues at the intersection of healthcare, ethics, and policy. With an ISSN of 0963-1801 and an E-ISSN of 1469-2147, this journal serves as a vital platform for discourse among researchers, practitioners, and scholars in the health social sciences. Emphasizing vital ethical considerations in healthcare practices and policies, it ranks in the Q3 tier for Health Policy and Q2 for both Health (Social Science) and Issues, Ethics, and Legal Aspects according to the 2023 journal category quartiles. The journal, spanning its tenure from 1992 to 2024, features rigorous peer-reviewed articles that contribute to the advancement of ethical standards in healthcare. By addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas and promoting scholarly dialogue, CAMBRIDGE QUARTERLY OF HEALTHCARE ETHICS remains an essential resource for those committed to understanding the complexities and ethical implications inherent in health systems today.

ETHICS & BEHAVIOR

Fostering Innovative Research on Ethical Dimensions
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1050-8422Frequency: 8 issues/year

ETHICS & BEHAVIOR is a leading academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd that has been at the forefront of ethical and behavioral research since its inception in 1991. With an ISSN of 1050-8422 and an E-ISSN of 1532-7019, the journal is committed to exploring the complex interactions between morality, ethics, and human behavior in various social contexts. Recognized for its significant contribution to the field, ETHICS & BEHAVIOR holds a notable Q2 ranking in both general psychology and social psychology categories, with impressive Scopus rankings reflecting its academic impact and relevance. Although the journal is not open access, it remains an indispensable resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to understand the ethical dimensions of human behavior. Covering diverse topics from applied ethics to behavioral studies, ETHICS & BEHAVIOR serves as a platform for innovative ideas and rigorous empirical research, shaping the discourse in psychology and social sciences. Address: 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, Oxon, England.

Turkish Journal of Business Ethics

Exploring Ethical Frontiers in Business Practices
Publisher: IGIAD-TURKISH ENTREPRENEURSHIP & BUSINESS ETHICS ASSOCISSN: 1308-4070Frequency: 2 issues/year

Turkish Journal of Business Ethics, published by the IGIAD-Turkish Entrepreneurship & Business Ethics Association, serves as a critical platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the intersection of business practices and ethical principles within a Turkish context and beyond. The journal, with ISSN 1308-4070 and E-ISSN 2149-8148, aims to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research that addresses contemporary issues in business ethics such as corporate governance, social responsibility, and ethical decision-making in entrepreneurship. While specific impact factor data and HIndex may not be disclosed, the journal aspires to contribute significantly to the scholarly dialogue in the field of business ethics, making it a valuable resource for academics seeking to advance their knowledge and understanding of ethical frameworks in business. This open-access journal ensures broad dissemination of its findings, fostering a global discourse on pressing ethical challenges faced by businesses today.

Diametros

Cultivating a vibrant community of philosophical minds.
Publisher: JAGIELLONIAN UNIV, INST PHILOSOPHYISSN: 1733-5566Frequency: 4 issues/year

Diametros is a prominent open-access journal published by the Jagiellonian University, Institute of Philosophy, committed to advancing scholarly discourse in the field of philosophy. Since its inception in 2004, this innovative journal has provided a platform for rigorous academic research and critical studies, contributing significantly to the philosophical landscape. With an impressive Scopus rank of #224 out of 806 in the Arts and Humanities category and a respectable Q2 quartile ranking, Diametros reflects a robust engagement with contemporary philosophical debates and issues. The journal features a diverse array of articles that encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and exploration, aiming to foster a vibrant community of researchers, professionals, and students alike. As an open-access publication, Diametros ensures that research is freely available to all, enhancing visibility and impact within the global academic community. With a commitment to quality and accessibility, the journal continues to play an essential role in shaping philosophical inquiry both in Poland and beyond.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS

Elevating bioethical standards in health and medicine.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1526-5161Frequency: 12 issues/year

American Journal of Bioethics (ISSN: 1526-5161, E-ISSN: 1536-0075) is a premier publication in the field of bioethics, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, renowned for its commitment to advancing scholarly discourse. Established in 2001, the journal is positioned at the forefront of ethical discussions in healthcare, evidenced by its impressive Q1 rankings in both Health Policy and Issues, Ethics, and Legal Aspects in 2023. With an emphasis on high-impact research, it holds a prestigious Scopus Rank of #1/46 in Nursing and #9/310 in Medicine, showcasing its significance in shaping bioethical considerations. Though not classified as an open access journal, its contents are integral for researchers, practitioners, and students engaged in ethical policymaking and advocacy. By addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas and legal nuances within healthcare, the American Journal of Bioethics serves as an essential resource for fostering an informed dialogue and influencing policy development across the globe.