Responsible Research & Innovation

Why is RRI important?

Legislation has adopted the concept of RRI, encouraging research staff to think about the public benefits of research in science and applied technology.

Researchers must anticipate and assess the potential consequences and implications of R&I, aligning scientific and technical development with the values and needs of European society. Designing and implementing RRI means:

  • Involving social stakeholders and citizens in research and innovation activities from the outset.
  • Ensuring gender equality in both the research process and its content.
  • Respecting fundamental rights and ethical principles.
  • Increasing access to scientific results (open access).
  • Promoting formal and informal science education.

Currently, the progress of the society is closely linked to research and innovation. The Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is an approach to research that aims to anticipate and evaluate the social implications and the impact of research and innovation in society. The RRI includes the participation of citizens in the discussion of how science and technology can provide a response to the social challenges of today's society.

This approach is based on 6 key aspects:

  • Ethics: Research and innovation must respect fundamental rights and adhere to the highest ethical standards in order to ensure the results that are derived from them can be acceptable and relevant to society.
  • Gender equality: Is a cross-cutting issue in the research in the European Union and is seen in the H2020. Means to promote gender balance within the institutions and research groups as well as in the decision-making process.
  • Governance: The institutions are responsible for implementing an organizational structure that takes into account RRI areas.
  • Open Access: Research and innovation should be accessible and transparent. The results of research funded with public funds should be available free of charge, both the publications and the data derived from them.
  • Citizen Participation: The RRI seeks to promote more inclusive research and innovation, where society's voice can be heard so that it plays a more relevant role in all phases of research and innovation.
  • Science Education: It is one of the fundamental pillars so the future people in charge of research (researchers and civil society) have the right tools in order to make the best decisions possible.

RRI at IRBLleida

IRBLleida integrates the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) into its daily activities. Below you will find the main actions, initiatives and resources promoted by the Institute across each of the six key areas of RRI.

Ethics

Renewal of the Equality Commission and the new Equality Plan (with different actions such as a new Punt Lila).

Gender equality
  • Renewal of the Equality Commission and the new Equality Plan (with different actions such as a new Punt Lila).
  • Use of non-sexist language in the documentation and communication of the institute.
  • Actions on the occasion of 11F: International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IRBLleida women exhibition, round table organised by the Works Committee).
Governance

Parity governance in committees and commissions.

Open Access
  • Publication of the ORCID code of research staff on their profile on the website.
  • Incorporation of research articles in the open access repository of the University of Lleida (https://repositori.udl.cat/).
Citizen participation
  • Organisation of the #SomRecerca conference.
  • Organisation of visits by Lleida organisations to IRBLleida.
Scientific Education
  • Organisation of educational visits to the IRBLleida and the CREBA centre (www.creballeida.org).
  • Promotion of the scientific vocation of high school students (grant for a stay at the IRBLleida).
  • Participation in Researchers Night.
  • Participation in the Pint of Science.