Course on Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research
Online course of 300 h in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research. 6 modules covering European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA, 2023), Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (control of dual-use items) and Zotero. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the principles of scientific integrity applicable to the nuclear sciences.
Recognise dual-use risks in nuclear research and their regulatory control.
Apply radiation protection requirements in experiment design.
Manage research data in line with the FAIR principles.
Detect and manage conflicts of interest in research funding.
Promote a culture of responsibility in research groups.
Write an ethics protocol for a nuclear research project.
Who it's for
- Nuclear sciences researcher looking to specialise in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research.
- Research integrity officer looking to specialise in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research.
- Research project manager looking to specialise in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research.
- Laboratory radiation protection supervisor looking to specialise in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research.
- Research ethics committee member looking to specialise in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research.
- Knowledge transfer officer looking to specialise in Ethics in Academic Nuclear Research.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into universities.
What you'll work with
- European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA, 2023)
- Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (control of dual-use items)
- Directive 2013/59/Euratom (basic safety standards)
- Spanish Royal Decree 1029/2022 (health protection against ionising radiation)
- Singapore Statement on Research Integrity (2010)
- UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers (2017)
- FAIR principles for scientific data management
6 modules · 300 h
1.1The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity1.2Fabrication, falsification and plagiarism1.3Questionable practices: p-hacking and data cherry-picking1.4Reproducibility of radiation experiments1.5Laboratory notebooks and data traceability1.6Authorship and the CRediT taxonomy1.7Peer review in nuclear journals1.8Retractions and documented cases1.9University ethics and integrity committees1.10Case study: analysing a misconduct case
2.1The dual-use concept in nuclear technology2.2Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/8212.3Control of intangible transfers and publications2.4The Nuclear Suppliers Group2.5Research of concern and self-censorship2.6Collaborations with sensitive countries2.7Project screening and compliance offices2.8Academic freedom versus security2.9Sensitive information and its classification2.10Workshop: dual-use assessment of a project
3.1The ALARA principle in university laboratories3.2Directive 2013/59/Euratom in research3.3Ethics in experiments with radioactive sources3.4Research involving humans and radiation3.5The Declaration of Helsinki and informed consent3.6Lessons from the historical plutonium experiments3.7Animal research and the 3Rs principle3.8Safety culture at research reactors3.9Laboratory waste management3.10Practical exercise: reviewing an experimental protocol
4.1FAIR principles and open nuclear science4.2Nuclear databases: ENDF, JEFF and EXFOR4.3Data sharing with security restrictions4.4Industrial and military research funding4.5Declaring conflicts of interest4.6Confidentiality and intellectual property4.7Scientific software and code transparency4.8Publication pressure and bibliometrics4.9Ethics of preprints and early communication4.10Case study: data management plan
5.1Mentoring and the supervisor-PhD student relationship5.2Diversity and inclusion in the nuclear community5.3Harassment and power relations in laboratories5.4Social responsibility of the nuclear researcher5.5Communicating results to the public5.6Research on accidents and affected people5.7Collaboration with affected communities5.8Ethics in waste research5.9Teaching ethics in nuclear programmes5.10Workshop: designing an ethics seminar for PhD students
6.1Defining the research project6.2Analysis of ethical and dual-use risks6.3Radiation protection plan6.4Data management plan6.5Managing conflicts of interest6.6Application to the ethics committee6.7Results communication plan6.8Summary and conclusions6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is Zotero, Python (Jupyter), Git/GitHub, iThenticate, in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from review of a research protocol before an ethics committee, analysis of scientific misconduct cases, dual-use assessment of a project. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the principles of scientific integrity applicable to the nuclear sciences.
Recognise dual-use risks in nuclear research and their regulatory control.
Apply radiation protection requirements in experiment design.
Manage research data in line with the FAIR principles.
Detect and manage conflicts of interest in research funding.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Zotero, Python (Jupyter), Git/GitHub, iThenticate. Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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