Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics Lecture Series
The Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics (NSPIRE) lecture series includes training on ethical decision-making and the responsible conduct of research. The events are open to anyone in the Virginia Tech community who is interested in research integrity and ethical scholarship, and the sessions count toward the 8-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 earn professional development credentials for attending NSPIRE events. Notable scholar presenters receive digital badges as recognition of their leadership in ethical and innovative research, and attendees earn digital badges as recognition for meeting RCR training requirements. NSPIRE badges offer a meaningful way to showcase one’s commitment to ongoing professional development and collaborative research. The badges can be shared on learners’ professional websites, digital portfolios, curriculum vitae, social media, and email signatures.
Upcoming Lectures
The first NSPIRE event of the fall will take place Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will receive one hour of RCR credit for each session they attend.
Schedule for Sept. 16
| Time | Notable Scholar and Topic |
|---|---|
| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Stella L. Volpe - ’Everyday’ Ethics in Research: Sometimes we don’t even realize they are ethical decisions |
| 11 a.m. - Noon | Robin White - AI, Animals, and Inference: Musings on science and science communication in the algorithmic era |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Iris Jenkins - Fostering Integrity in Research |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Carla Savage - Ripple Effects: Navigating the ethical impacts of fish health research in small island developing states - A One Health Dilemma |
The next NSPIRE event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.
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.