13.5.2026
Research is characterized by hierarchies. The unequal power relations among professors, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral students affect the daily behavior and well-being of those involved, as well as their long-term careers.
As research projects and networks grow in size, these power relations become more and more complex. In the context of extensive research networks such as CERN, which comprise thousands of researchers from numerous countries, the enforcement of legal and ethical codes becomes a particularly challenging endeavour.
How do power relations influence research? What are the benefits of ethical codes of conduct? What are their limitations? Are stronger international regulations needed? How can researchers interact better with each other? From their respective perspectives, particle physicist Belina von Krosigk and organizational sociologist Kathia Serrano Velarde answer these questions and discuss their significance for scientific professionalism.
With Belina von Krosigk (particle physics) and Kathia Serrano Velarde (sociology)
May 19, 6:00 p.m., “Goldbox” at Physikalisches Institut, Im Neuenheimer Feld 226
The talks will be delivered in English.
The Jellinek Dialogues explore the wide range of ethical questions in science. The main focus is reflecting on ethics in scientific professions, particularly in research. Most disciplines bring up normative questions based on the research topic, the methods used, and the people doing the research. These questions include international cooperation, potential military applications, power relations, career paths, participatory methods, and sustainability, among others, with different emphases and gaps.
At each event, two representatives from different disciplines will give brief presentations on a shared topic and engage in conversation. Aspects of research and professional roles will be critically examined. The aim is to foster open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities of ethical reflection. Students and researchers at all career stages are invited to attend.
