Symbols are an incredibly useful way to easily convey a warning or suggestion that transcends language. From the symbols on clothing tags instructing us how to wash our clothes, to the motifs used on road signs – symbols have become a part of our global language.

Perhaps some of the most famous symbols are hazard warnings – flammable, radioactive, avoid contact with eyes – all clearly state the dangers associated with various chemicals or processes. Given the rise of ethical questions concerning technology and data in modern life, it is vital to codify hazards around data research in the same way.

The Data Hazards project uses worst case scenarios to help researchers consider the morality of research that uses data or data science. The Data Hazards labels are a broad, open source, community-created vocabulary of ethical issues that can affect data or data science research. These include environmental concerns, algorithmic bias, and lack of community involvement. Thanks to dedicated support from Research England as part of 2022's Enhancing Research Culture funding, the project team were able to dedicate time and effort towards this important work.

This involved co-creating the Data Hazards symbols alongside over 100 contributors across academic and professional fields and backgrounds, and building a framework and training to enable an informed and engaged use of the resource across University of Bristol and beyond.

This resource is unique in ethics frameworks as it was developed and continues to be an open-source resource available to all. Uptake of these warning can help improve our research culture at the University of Bristol and enable us to make more informed decisions when using data in research.

Join us to:

- Hear from colleagues about the development of the Data Hazards project

- Learn how to use the Data Hazards resource in your own research

- Meet University colleagues to discuss how to implement Data Hazards labels

- Share your thoughts in an interdisciplinary discussion around research data ethics

Drinks and light refreshments, along with an interdisciplinary networking opportunity, will be provided at this free event.

Celebrating the launch of Data Hazards