Welcome to ENGAGE.EU's Research Ethics & RRI Expert Group webinar series! The series will feature 30-minute lectures on various ethics topics followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Find the information for the current webinar below:
Webinar #5: 10 February 2026, 10:00 CET
Join: via this Teams link
Across the Atlantic: What European Institutions Can Consider from the U.S. IRB Model
How can different research ethics systems inspire stronger practices across institutions? This webinar offers a comparative look at the U.S. IRB model and Europe’s diverse ethics frameworks, examining structures, review processes and stakeholder involvement. Participants will discover practical strategies to enhance accountability, transparency and ethical reflection, and explore how blending clear procedures with thoughtful dialogue can foster a robust and meaningful research ethics culture in European institutions.
About the Presenter
Dr. Heather Jean Arghandeh Paudler is a Senior Executive Officer in the Office of Research Administration at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). She previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) in the Data-Driven Energy Systems Analysis research group, focusing on data-driven modeling and sustainable energy solutions for rural regions. She has extensive experience in research ethics, education and academic governance, having served as a coordinator for Florida’s Department of Education, Division of Accountability, Research & Measurement, and as a senior researcher at Florida’s STEM Learning Systems Institute. She has also taught academic writing and humanities courses at Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University.