What happens in the Lab: Applying Midstream Modulation to Enhance Critical Reflection in the Laboratory

Abstract

In response to widespread policy prescriptions for responsible innovation, social scientists and engineering ethicists, among others, have sought to engage natural scientists and engineers at the ‘midstream’: building interdisciplinary collaborations to integrate social and ethical considerations with research and development processes. Two ‘laboratory engagement studies’ have explored how applying the framework of midstream modulation could enhance the reflections of natural scientists on the socio-ethical context of their work. The results of these interdisciplinary collaborations confirm the utility of midstream modulation in encouraging both first- and second-order reflective learning. The potential for second-order reflective learning, in which underlying value systems become the object of reflection, is particularly significant with respect to addressing social responsibility in research practices. Midstream modulation served to render the socio-ethical context of research visible in the laboratory and helped enable research participants to more critically reflect on this broader context. While lab-based collaborations would benefit from being carried out in concert with activities at institutional and policy levels, midstream modulation could prove a valuable asset in the toolbox of interdisciplinary methods aimed at responsible innovation.

Improving industrial R&D practices with social and ethical aspects: Aligning key performance indicators with social and ethical aspects in food technology R&D

“…A new, promising, and potentially transformative [36] approach to include SEAs in R&D is 'Midstream Modulation' (MM), first introduced by Fisher in 2006 [37]. MM methods are clearly described in literature and it has successfully been deployed to actively integrate SEAs in R&D projects in academic nanotechnology [14,38] and biotechnology [16] laboratories, and in industrial research environments [39,40]. Therefore we chose MM for our study.…”

Environmental Life Cycle Assessments as Decision Support Systems within Research and Development Processes: Solutions or Confusions for Responsible Innovation?

“…In this investigation, Midstream Modulation (MM) (Note 3) is used as both a method and framework of analysis for the integration of SEAs in R & D practice , Schuurbiers, 2011. In MM, an 'embedded humanist' interacts with R&D professionals in their natural environment, i.e.…”

Trustworthiness and Responsible Research and Innovation: The Case of the Bio-Economy

“…) also argue for reflexivity on the part of institutions. They term this latter form of reflexivity 'second-order reflexivity', following Schuurbiers (2011). ''Mechanisms such as codes of conduct, moratoriums and the adoption of standards may build this second-order reflexivity by drawing connections between external value systems and scientific practice.''…”