The GEO Ethics Committee at the University of Twente (UT) is facilitated by the Faculty of Earth Observation and Geo-Information Sciences (ITC). It oversees activities aimed at promoting awareness of geo ethics at ITC and conducts ethics reviews in this specific domain.
Geo ethics involves research and reflection on the values that underpin appropriate behaviour and practice wherever human activities interact with the geosphere. It addresses the ethical, social, and cultural implications of Earth (Observation) and Geo-Information Sciences education, research, and practice, providing a point of intersection for (Geo)spatial sciences, Urban and Rural Studies, Sociology, Economy, and Environmental sciences. It represents an opportunity for geospatial scientists to become more conscious of their social role and responsibilities in conducting their activities and the potential impacts of their research findings and outputs on the environment and society.
The GEO Ethics Committee focuses primarily on conducting ethical review procedures for Earth (observation) and Geo-Information Sciences research, mainly covering:
- Research that focuses on typical issues such as security and legal order, (geo)health, land rights, water rights, infrastructure provision, human rights, natural hazards and disaster management, and resource management, among others.
- Research that deals with problems that relate to human life and livelihood as well as the environment.
- Research that pays attention to adverse aspects of applications in geo-information technology and geo-AI by considering the ethical, cultural, and economic repercussions that applications may have on society.
You can find further information related to the GEO Ethics Committee, its research support services, and resources below: