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Download lecture notes/paper: Garnet Hertz - Ethology of Art and Science Collaborations: Research Ethics Boards in the Context of Contemporary Art Practice (10 pages, 60K PDF File)
Abstract: Frameworks for ethical review of scientific research are well established and documented; however, many interdisciplinary artists and art institutions are unfamiliar with these policies and procedures, as well as the potential benefits this process offers within emergent areas of collaborative research. In this paper, we will examine currently established models for ethical review of scientific research as they would apply to interdisciplinary fields. Using the Canadian system as a basis for discussion, a practical overview of its guiding principles, conducts, application processes, terms of approval and liabilities will be presented. Issues covered will include tissue culture, animal use, genetic modification and transgenics. Relavant highlights will be presented from the Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics (PRE), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canada Council of Animal Care (CCAC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Examples of contemporary artworks will be explored as specific case studies in relation to the ethics review process. Proper navigation of these processes may offer guidance to artists and institutions that engage controversial subjects, use scientific facilities, or attempt to gain access to funding traditionally oriented to scientific research.

Interview excerpts:
Adam Zaretsky "blastpheming the temple of science"
Eduardo Kac "yelling fire in a theater"
Stephen Wilson "art police"
Natalie Jeremijenko "ethics cleansed"
Stephen Wilson "art goals aren't worth as much"
Adam Zaretsky "my art project"
Eduardo Kac "hypocritical chicken for dinner"
Natalie Jeremijenko "unconfortable with the word ethics"
Adam Zarestky "if you shake good art, science comes out of it"
Eduardo Kac "there is no universal answer"


Interviews:
Garnet Hertz interviews Stephen Wilson (09-30-2002)


Garnet Hertz - http://www.conceptlab.com