Leading actors in the German research landscape, ranging from funders to universities to individual researchers, are increasingly pushing for an in-depth and large-scale integration of Ethical Legal and Social Aspects (ELSA) & Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) analysis into STEMM research. At the same time, systematic analysis of the work that has been conducted in this space and beyond is missing, leaving open questions regarding the success, failures and impacts of these programs.

Considering this, this project develops empirically grounded insights for establishing best practices, norms and benchmarks and understanding what kinds of institutional frameworks are needed to implement best practices in ELSA/RRI research. Through systematic analysis of past initiatives, as well as stakeholder interviews and co-creative engagement, questions around who should speak for, identify and define ELSA/RRI, what are adequate methods to use in this space, how should this type of research be organized, funded, monitored and evaluated will be examined.

Embedded ethical, legal and social science analysis is a methodological cornerstone of TUM’s agenda to promote socially responsible research and innovation. Thus, the project promotes the key missions of TransforM by strengthening strengthen capacities for embedded ELSA/RRI research in STEMM fields at TUM and Germany more broadly.