Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics Lecture Series
The Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics (NSPIRE) lecture series offers training on ethical decision-making and the responsible conduct of research. Events are open to all Virginia Tech community members interested in research integrity and ethical scholarship. Sessions count toward the eight-hour, in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training requirement for certain federal awards.
The series encompasses a peer-to-peer learning format where notable Virginia Tech scholars share their work and the ethical decisions they face in their research journey. The sessions are beneficial to attendees as they engage with scholars who demonstrate high-quality research practices, adhere to policies and regulations, and practice thoughtful, ethical decision-making.
Both presenters and attendees can earn professional development credentials through participation in NSPIRE events. Notable scholar presenters receive digital badges in recognition of their leadership in ethical and innovative research. Attendees who complete eight hours of eligible NSPIRE programming and fulfill the in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training requirement will receive a digital badge through Virginia Tech Parchment Badges.
NSPIRE badges offer a meaningful way to showcase a commitment to ongoing professional development and collaborative research. Badges can be shared on professional websites, digital portfolios, curriculum vitae, social media profiles, and email signatures.
Questions about RCR training requirements, attendance records, or digital badges may be directed to integrity@vt.edu.
Upcoming NSPIRE Event
Fall 2026 Schedule
| Time | Notable Scholar and Topic |
|---|---|
| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Sophie Bogers - Horses, Hounds, and Humans: Improving Ethics through Naturally Occurring Veterinary Disease |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Miguel Perez - Human Participants Protection in Applied Research: Examples from Naturalistic Driving |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Monet Roberts - Studying Differences to Improve Outcomes for All: Ethical Considerations in Ancestry-Informed Breast Cancer Research |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Iris Jenkins - Fostering Integrity in Research |
| Time | Notable Scholar and Topic |
|---|---|
| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Cristen Jandreau - The Challenge of Objectivity: Research, Bias, and Conflicts of Interest |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Abiola Akanmu - Responsible Conduct in Human-Centered AI and Emerging Technology Research |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Rosanna Breaux - Ethical Decision Making in Clinical Trial Research with Families of Children and Adolescents |
| Time | Notable Scholar and Topic |
|---|---|
| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Brendan David-John - Ethics Emerging: Conducting Virtual and Augmented Reality Research with a focus on Privacy and Security |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Allison Tegge - TBD |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Hannah Sunderman - Research Integrity in Everyday Scholarship: Mentoring |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Iris Jenkins - Authorship Ethics |
Past Lectures
Recordings of NSPIRE lectures are available on the series playlist. Viewing recorded sessions does not count toward in-person RCR credit.
This lecture series replaces the Investigator Series, which ran from 2021 through mid-2025.