Welcome to the GEO Ethics Committee!

Become a high-skilled geospatial professional

The GEO Ethics Committee (GEO EC) at the University of Twente (UT) is facilitated by the Faculty of Earth Observation and Geo-Information Sciences (ITC). This committee is one of four domain-specific ethics committees at the University of Twente, as outlined in the UT Research Ethics Policy (2019). It oversees activities aimed at promoting awareness of geo ethics at ITC and conducts ethics reviews in this specific domain. The goal of the GEO EC is to ensure that our (geo)research is compliant with relevant ethical principles, norms, and standards by conducting quality geo-ethical review procedures.

Geo ethics involves research and reflection on the values that underpin appropriate behaviour and practice wherever human activities interact with the geosphere. It addresses the ethical, social, and cultural implications of Earth (Observation) and Geo-Information Sciences education, research, and practice, providing a point of intersection for (Geo)spatial sciences, Urban and Rural Studies, Sociology, Economy, and Environmental sciences. It represents an opportunity for geospatial scientists to become more conscious of their social role and responsibilities in conducting their activities and the potential impacts of their research findings and outputs on the environment and society.

Scope

The GEO Ethics Committee primarily focuses on conducting ethical reviews for research in Earth (observation) and Geo-Information Sciences, mainly covering:

To do so, the GEO EC employs the following activities:

(For further information, see Faculty Regulations of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation Article 10f)

Committee Composition

Current members

Former members

House Rules of the GEO Ethics Committee

The 'House Rules of the GEO Ethics Committee' provide detailed information on the committee's structure and operations. This includes details on the committee’s responsibilities, the review process,  and general operation of the committee

You can find further information related to the Ethics review procedure and additional resources below:


SECRETARY GEO ETHICS COMMITTEE
M. Shariat MSc (Masoome)
Research Support Officer