EurekAlert! News by Subject: Policy & Ethics - News by Subject: Policy & Ethics

Policy & Ethics

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Mar-2026 12:16 ET (30-Mar-2026 16:16 GMT/UTC)

Study challenges neo-liberal higher education model by revisiting Confucius’ dual ideals of the ideal individual and social order

ECNU Review of Education
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The dominant Anglo-American Research University model has long been criticized for failing to address contemporary global challenges. A new study by researchers from Southern University of Science and Technology and The University of Hong Kong revisits Confucius’ dual imaginaries—the ideal man (Junzi) and the ideal social order (Tianxia)—to propose a reimagined framework for higher education. The study argues that Confucius’ ideals offer a relational, contextual, and internally driven alternative to prevailing neo-liberal models.

Journal: ECNU Review of Education

Normative messaging bridges the partisan gap in pandemic risk-taking, study shows

University of Plymouth
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research led by the University of Plymouth (UK) demonstrates that clear messages can align public behaviour during a health crisis, effectively bridging gaps previously associated with political voting records. The research was carried out around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and recruited more than 800 United States citizens who had voted for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential Election.

Journal: Journal of Behavioral Decision Making

Choosing embryos based on genetic predictions raises new ethical and legal concerns

Hokkaido University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The article examines the emerging use of genomic testing to predict complex traits in embryos, such as intelligence or the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s disease later in life. As embryo testing moves beyond disease prevention toward the prediction of complex human social characteristics, the author argues that stronger oversight and clearer regulations are needed.

Journal: Frontiers in Reproductive Health

Preparing Canada’s health system for military conflicts

Canadian Medical Association Journal
Peer-Reviewed Publication

To prepare for major armed conflict involving Canada or its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, the country must create a national framework for civilian–military medical integration, as the public health system would bear the burden of medical care, argue authors in a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.252067.

Journal: Canadian Medical Association Journal

Four University of Tennessee, Knoxville faculty elected 2025 AAAS fellows

University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Grant and Award Announcement

Four faculty members at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been elected 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the most prestigious honors a scientist can receive. The honor recognizes efforts across disciplines — including research, teaching and technology as well as leadership in academia and industry. In recognition of their extraordinary achievements, AAAS Fellows are elected to a lifetime appointment by their peers on the AAAS Council.

From measurement to meaning: new research introduces a learning architecture for the age of AI

ECNU Review of Education
Peer-Reviewed Publication

As artificial intelligence (AI) expands in education, schools are collecting more learning data than ever before. Yet increased measurement does not automatically produce deeper understanding. In a new study, Ruojun Zhong introduces a distributed learning architecture that integrates educational philosophy with AI-supported design. By embedding human judgment within feedback systems, the model aims to help education move from performance measurement toward continuous reflection and adaptive growth in the age of AI.

Journal: ECNU Review of Education

Frontiers’ Head of Editorial Ethics and Quality Assurance elected as a Trustee of COPE

Frontiers
Business Announcement

Frontiers is proud to announce that Dr Marie Soulière, Head of Editorial Ethics and Quality Assurance, has been officially elected as a Trustee of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1
2
3