TORONTO, November 20, 2002 --  York University is hosting a one-day symposium on the importance of research ethics and its application across a broad range of academic disciplines, Friday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The opening session will feature Prof. Harry Arthurs, York president emeritus and Dr. Robert Phillips, president and C.E.O. of the Ontario Cancer Research Network, who will discuss the effectiveness of ethical codes, as well as the impact of research funding, academic culture and financial rewards for researchers.

"University research has always adhered to strict ethical guidelines," says York Psychology Prof. Suzanne MacDonald, who is also Associate Vice-President Research. "Now that ethics are receiving public and media attention, universities have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in this vital area."

A sampling of symposium presenters follows:

Prof. Ian Greene, York Dept. of Political Science -- how researchers should be careful to observe ethical guidelines, protecting the reputation of social scientists and the opportunities for future researchers to conduct empirical research;

Prof. David Wiesenthal, York Dept. of Psychology -- how the federal government's new code (for research involving humans) is based on ethical standards developed for medical research and whether this model is appropriate for guiding psychological research;

Prof. Joel Lexchin, Atkinson School of Health Policy & Management -- while pharmaceutical companies are doing more research in developing countries because it is cheaper, the same companies are not developing medications for certain widespread diseases in these countries because it is unprofitable for them to do so;

Prof. Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt, Associate Dean, York Faculty of Fine Arts -- the challenges and issues associated with specific aspects of studio work, creative work, and performances unique to fine arts teaching and research.

The symposium is organized and sponsored by York's Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Centre for Practical Ethics and the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation.

The symposium will take place at York University, Osgoode Hall Law School, Moot Court (located off the main lobby).

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For more information, including the full list of presenters, please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/grads/b/index.htm or contact:

Ken Turriff	Dr. Ron Pearlman
Media Relations	Associate Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies
York University	York University
416-736-2100, ext. 22086	416-736-2100, ext. 55481
kturriff@yorku.ca	ronp@yorku.ca

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