In the CARTHAGO consortium, we are exploring solutions that effectively regenerate the cartilage tissue and we are committed towards ethically and socially responsible scientific work. We follow the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework proposed by the European Commission which aligns research with societal values and people’s needs. We brief upon why RRI is important for health-related research, and how we apply some of its components like research integrity and ethics in our consortium.

Let’s start with illustrating a common situation: imagine you or someone you know are suffering from back pain. To get relief from it, we may use a painkiller. How do we get to the point that a painkiller reduces the pain? The research process starts with scientists studying the mechanism and causes of the pain. Then they establish a hypothesis to find out the drugs that could soothe the pain. Several laboratory experiments and clinical experiments are needed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the drug, and to be sure that the drug is developed integrally and ethically to be available to society.

In CARTHAGO we are conducting laboratory experiments, so at an early stage of research. We are studying the mechanisms of cartilage regeneration and establishing hypothesis about how to stimulate this. In this early stage of research, we are applying the RRI framework to promote integrity and incorporate ethics in our research. We meet to discuss how to embed RRI in daily practice and explore different resources to implement it. We also embed ethics in our research talking about how to do things beneficially for most people and avoiding unwanted impacts on society. We focus on ethical aspects as we are dealing with animals, human cells, tissues, or parts of the body in our research. Furthermore, as moral beings, every activity that we do has a moral dimension. We all have a set of values and beliefs that are part of our way of thinking. We should be aware of them, as this can lead us to some bias in the research process itself. We must make sure that our values as scientists align with society.

In CARTHAGO we tried to reflect on moral issues and be aware of the ethical aspects that are involved in the laboratory research process. We think it is crucial for us to take responsibility for new therapies as they have an ethical, social, and environmental impact. As RRI proposes, we discussed responsible use of resources minimising environmental impact and to contribute for a sustainable future. As in the painkiller example, ethics and RRI in this phase of our research is essential. We hope that our research might reach patients and society one day. And when our research reaches you, we ensure that the product upholds the ethical standards and values of society.