11 Frontier Science In practical use
Approach to ELSI Toward Realization of People-Friendly Society
Promoting research with ELSI in mind
Outline
In order to channel research results back to society in a desirable form, as well as investigating technical issues, ELSI*1 (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues) must also be taken into consideration. This exhibit shows STRL’s approach to these issues in research, development and practical application of new technologies.
Formulating a handbook to promote research with ELSI in mind
New technologies help to make our lives more convenient, but sometimes they may have unexpected effects on people or society. STRL is formulating an ELSI Handbook to give guidance about how research work should be conducted, based on the idea of “ELSI by design” (being aware of ELSI from the research planning stage).
Survey of diverse users about media usage and awareness
To ensure the contents of the ELSI Handbook are in line with users’ media usage and awareness, STRL conducted a survey of a diverse range of users, including people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people. The survey asked users what they feel concerned or uncomfortable about in their everyday use of media, and how they want content to be. The results of this survey will be reflected in the contents of the Handbook.
Raising awareness of ELSI and human resource development
STRL holds in-house seminars on topics such as gender, law, risk, ethics, and public interest, in order to raise awareness of ELSI among researchers. Attendees discussed the significance of addressing ELSI, found out about the latest trends, and learned the necessary specialized knowledge.
[Future plans]
As well as continuing work on the ELSI Handbook, STRL will promote research and development towards creating a people-friendly society through dialogue with users and collaboration with external organizations.
[References]
- Approach to ELSI through the fusion of humanities and sciences｜News Express｜NHK STRL
- Kenichiro YANAGI, Masaru MIYAZAKI, Reiko TAKOU, Hironori FURUMIYA, "Research Report Challenges in Implementing Universal Services in Society -From the Viewpoint of Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI)-,"The NHK Monthly Report on Broadcast Research, Vol.72, No.3(2022)