Applying an ethical lens for more responsible modelling practice

Szetey, K; Ward, D; Chakori, S; Douglas, D; Fulton, EA; Grigg, N; Ligtermoet, E; Munera-Roldan, C; Onyango, E; Stirling, E; Subramaniam, R

Applying an ethical lens for more responsible modelling practice

Szetey, K Ward, D Chakori, S

Douglas, D Fulton, EA Grigg, N Ligtermoet, E Munera-Roldan, C Onyango, E Stirling, E Subramaniam, R

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Publisher:: Wageningen University and Research
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling, 7, pp. 18753

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Szetey, K
dc.contributor.author	Ward, D
dc.contributor.author	Chakori, S https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5857-4742
dc.contributor.author	Douglas, D
dc.contributor.author	Fulton, EA
dc.contributor.author	Grigg, N
dc.contributor.author	Ligtermoet, E
dc.contributor.author	Munera-Roldan, C
dc.contributor.author	Onyango, E
dc.contributor.author	Stirling, E
dc.contributor.author	Subramaniam, R
dc.date.accessioned	2026-06-08T02:42:57Z
dc.date.available	2026-06-08T02:42:57Z
dc.identifier.citation	Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling, 7, pp. 18753
dc.identifier.issn	2663-3027
dc.identifier.issn	2663-3027
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195252
dc.description.abstract	In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on including humans when modelling socio-environmental systems. However, it is crucial that we remain mindful of the impacts that the decisions made during model development or analysis can have on people or nature as modelling is not an impartial process. Responsible modelling requires us to consider the broader societal implications of our work, therefore, modellers should consider a range of ethical concerns, often found beyond those prescribed through institutionally mandated ethical approval processes. Herein we examine the ethical dimensions of six socio-environmental case studies using the principles of credibility, legitimacy, and salience, encompassing the modelling process from conception to delivery and beyond. We also discuss the results from an interdisciplinary workshop held with experienced modellers to co-produce a list of ethical dimensions that modellers would ideally engage with when conducting a modelling project. Based on our findings, we have developed a set of recommendations to: i) support modellers in ensuring their modelling practice is underpinned by ethical reflection, ii) guide end-users of model outputs when selecting and repurposing those outputs, and iii) identify means by which institutions can support responsible modelling practices. Engaging with ethical dimensions in the process of modelling is critical for building trust with stakeholders, therefore enhancing the credibility, legitimacy, and salience of the models and research.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Wageningen University and Research
dc.relation.ispartof	Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.18174/sesmo.18753
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Applying an ethical lens for more responsible modelling practice
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	7
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)/Institute For Sustainable Futures
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2026-06-08T02:42:56Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	7

Abstract:

In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on including humans when modelling socio-environmental systems. However, it is crucial that we remain mindful of the impacts that the decisions made during model development or analysis can have on people or nature as modelling is not an impartial process. Responsible modelling requires us to consider the broader societal implications of our work, therefore, modellers should consider a range of ethical concerns, often found beyond those prescribed through institutionally mandated ethical approval processes. Herein we examine the ethical dimensions of six socio-environmental case studies using the principles of credibility, legitimacy, and salience, encompassing the modelling process from conception to delivery and beyond. We also discuss the results from an interdisciplinary workshop held with experienced modellers to co-produce a list of ethical dimensions that modellers would ideally engage with when conducting a modelling project. Based on our findings, we have developed a set of recommendations to: i) support modellers in ensuring their modelling practice is underpinned by ethical reflection, ii) guide end-users of model outputs when selecting and repurposing those outputs, and iii) identify means by which institutions can support responsible modelling practices. Engaging with ethical dimensions in the process of modelling is critical for building trust with stakeholders, therefore enhancing the credibility, legitimacy, and salience of the models and research.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195252