The ACS & ACS Foundation announces globally ground-breaking research into ICT ethics & regulation – almost $1 million over 3 years
Thrusday, 17 February 2005 - The ACS has partnered with the Australian Government’s Australian Research Council (ARC) the Centre of Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics (CAPPE) and its membership universities to fund a $900k research program assessing ethics and regulation in the ICT industry.
The ARC grant allocation is a major coup for the ACS and its partners, given that humanities-focused research projects usually account for only 16 per cent of university grants programs.
The study is the first planned analysis of how a work environment influences ethical behavior within the ICT sector. Privacy, autonomy and enforcement issues are just some of the hot topics that will be on the radar during the significant three year study.
The primary outcome of the study is the creation of a practical and professional ethical and regulatory model that could become a quality standard across the industry here and overseas. Other potential outcomes of the program include:
Charles Sturt University will administer the three year study titled ‘Ethics and Regulation in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry’. The ACS contribution will be channelled through the ACS Foundation.
ACS Foundation Executive Director, Mr John Ridge said the project has the potential to provide some significant outcomes not only for the Australian ICT sector, but also for our overseas peers.
“The ACS is proud to be working with CAPPE and the Australian Research Council with this visionary initiative,” said Mr Ridge. “It is the first time that ethics and regulations have been explored within the ICT industry globally, so it is a huge milestone that Australia is taking this forward.
“As ICT continues to gathers pace as an industry, the impact of technology is now so far reaching we can’t afford to ignore its social and ethical influence - particularly in the privacy sphere.
“Past work in this area has been risk-assessment based rather than looking at real world operations and engaging with staff involved in these systems. We are hoping this project will lead to real, pragmatic systems that prevent corruption from occurring within the workplace.
“It’s exciting that this pioneering research will have more practical findings and tangible methods of engaging with ICT practitioners both today and in the future.”
Professor John Weckert of CSU, a key player within both CAPPE and the ACS, is driving the research project with international colleague, Dr Jerome van den Hoven.
“The study will enable tertiary ICT students to become involved with new methodology that will help them when they graduate and step into the industry,”
said Professor Weckert. “Once the research has been completed, ICT practitioners will be able to access the innovative research via policy papers online.
Professor Weckert said the project will also consider what constitutes an ICT professional, since the ICT profession is full of people who use ICT but are members of other professions.
The ACS is providing over $70,000 in cash and in-kind services each year, channelled through the ACS Foundation. CAPPE is matching the ACS contribution – substantially through the involvement of its staff and resources – and then the ARC is matching the total combined contribution in cash.
This research grant was one of 16 the ARC selected late last year. Research grants are chosen through a strict selection process, with successful applicants demonstrating how they will continue to develop Australian society and the community. Science and Engineering normally take up the majority share of grants funding – with this new grant highlighting the growing relevance and impact of ICT as an industry.
The ACS is keen to involve members interested in the project and will be calling for participants shortly, with a range of options for contribution.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Fleur Brown , Email: fleur@launchgroup.com or 0419 270 863
This media release is located online at www.acs.org.au/news/170205.htm
The ACS and ACS Foundation
The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.
The ACS Foundation was established by the ACS in August 2001, to encourage both private and public sponsorship of IT higher education and research projects. By increasing funding opportunities for industry to contribute to education programs, the Foundation seeks to create a highly skilled workforce, which is able to effectively access research and industry-specific training. Visit www.acsfoundation.com.au for more information.
Australian Research Council
http://www.arc.gov.au/arc_home/default.htm
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics
The Applied Philosophy and Ethics Centre is a joint partnership between three of Australia ’s premier tertiary education providers including Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne and Charles Sturt University (CSU).
http://www.cappe.edu.au/research.htm
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