Aleks Vladimirov CSci, Head of Research and Design

Why did you decide to apply for Chartered Scientist (CSci)? 

As a researcher who works on areas of uncertainty, political and ethical dilemmas, I often feel the need to check back with a code of conduct outside myself. That’s why I decided to apply for Chartered Scientist (CSci). The Chartered Scientist code of conduct means a lot to me as it provides a framework for ethical and professional behaviour in my work. It gives me the confidence that my research is being conducted in a responsible and accountable manner. Being a Chartered Scientist also shows my commitment to continuous professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in my field.

How has Chartered Scientist status made an impact on your work or career?

Having Chartered Scientist status has made a significant impact on my work and career. It has given me the confidence of having an accreditation over and above what many in my industry do not have. This status shows my commitment to high ethical and professional standards, and it has helped me to stand out.

At Adapt Inc. Research Labs, I have been leading on the ethics of design for some clients where I had to advocate against the justification of behavioural nudges which are seen as unproblematic by policy makers but not in academic research. My Chartered Scientist status has helped me to have confidence in myself to take stakeholders through workshops that highlight how nudges that are not present in the minds of those who are nudged are not trivial and that explicit behavioural boosts or tools can perform just as well with less ethical issues.

What did learn through completing the application process?

Completing the Chartered Scientist application process taught me how to defend my lab’s practices with blind peer reviewers while also thinking about further objective standards to show that my intention is to conduct proper research. This experience led me to purchase the ISO standard for qualitative research and seek practical certification in design, which is not part of my academic training but a practice that I have developed on the job. Through the application process, I learned to think critically about my work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate my commitment to high ethical and professional standards.

What do you value most from being a member of your professional body?

A sense of belonging while not being committed to exclusively to one discipline as I believe in the idea of there being some unity of science.