
Panelist, Session 3: Data for Emergencies
Francis is a philosopher specialised in research ethics, integrity & methodology as well as in data/AI ethics & law. He is Chair, ISC CODATA International Data Policy Committee; EOSC-Future/RDA Ambassador for Ethics & Law; Co-chair, EOSC Future / RDA Artificial Intelligence and Data Visitation Working Group. He is a member of the FAIRsharing Community Curation Programme at FAIRsharing.org. He led the Preparedness Planning for Clinical Research During Public Health Emergencies (PREP) project from 2020 to 2022, and led working groups on International Recommendations for Ethics Committees (IECs/IRBs) When Reviewing Vaccine Clinical Trials During Public Health Emergencies (PHEs), globally and in LMICs. Together with other partners, the ISC CODATA IDPC is preparing guidance on ‘Data policy for open science in crisis situations’ and developing an RDA/CODATA Data Systems, Tools, and Services for Crisis Situations. He also founded and coordinates the Ukraine Clinical Trials Support Initiative (UCRSI).
Scientific research plays a crucial role in crises, providing valuable insights, evidence, and solutions to address the challenges and mitigate the impacts. Data policy developed for open science in crisis situations develops frameworks that:1. explore the scientific, political, and societal frameworks needed to address the disruptive and emergency characteristics;2. consider the underlying ethical, human rights, and humanitarian frameworks needed to support data policy during crisis situations; and3. support the development of tools that promote the responsible practice and use of data when generating scientific evidence in emergence contexts.