Ethics at the Core: Privanova’s Contribution to the iMERMAID Project

Privanova is a partner in the iMERMAID Project, a multidisciplinary R&D project run by an international consortium and co-funded by the EU as part of the Horizon Europe Climate Initiative. Running from June 2023 to May 2026, iMERMAID aims to tackle chemical pollution with a multifaceted approach. By integrating science, society, and policy, it seeks to understand and combat the impact of various uncharted chemicals on the marine ecosystem. The project utilises electrochemical and oil sensors, 4D Scavenger technology, and collaborates with policymakers to ensure a broad and lasting impact. Privanova’s role is to ensure ethics compliance, privacy, and data protection frameworks throughout the project.

Ethics and Compliance

Privanova leads the establishment of an Ethics Advisory Board to monitor and advise on the project’s progress. Experts are appointed to ensure the project meets compliance standards. The board meets regularly to discuss progress, ethical questions, and relevant activities, providing guidance to consortium members

Data Management

Privanova also leads the development and maintenance of the project’s Data Management Plan (DMP). This comprehensive, living document is developed with contributions from all 26 consortium partners and serves as a cornerstone for mapping data collection, usage, and storage. It oversees data processing throughout the project's duration. The document is regularly updated by the members, aiming to ensure continuity and sustainability beyond the project's lifespan.

Protecting Data: A Multifaceted Approach

Data mismanagement presents significant challenges, including data loss, duplication, inconsistencies, and the risk of flawed research conclusions. For iMERMAID, with its 26 consortium partners, coordinating data input and maintaining a robust, up-to-date Data Management Plan (DMP) is critical. Privanova addresses this by ensuring each partner's data requirements are captured and integrated into a well-developed DMP, streamlining data collection, storage, and retrieval for accuracy and consistency.

Furthermore, ethical data use is paramount. Unethical practices can lead to bias, discrimination, and misuse of sensitive information. Privanova's legal experts provide guidance on the DMP, proactively addressing ethical concerns related to collected, processed, and stored data. The project promotes ethical data stewardship through the adoption of FAIR and CARE principles, and employs bias detection tools to mitigate discrimination in data-driven decisions.

The Importance of Ethical Data Management

A robust Data Management Plan (DMP) is essential for responsible data handling in any research project. It provides the framework for data's journey, from collection and storage to sharing and preservation, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and ethical/legal compliance. Privanova's advisory role is pivotal, guiding researchers through complex regulations and best practices. Their expertise and oversight mitigate risks, address ethical dilemmas, and foster a culture of integrity, ultimately contributing to trustworthy and impactful outcomes.