Professor Louise Bezuidenhout explains how ENVRI-Hub NEXT fits within the wider ethical commitments set by the European Union and international frameworks, such as the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. 

Her presentation stresses that science must be not only transparent but also inclusive, fair, and sustainable, if it is to be considered truly ethical. She also addressed the need for careful management of personal data in line with GDPR requirements, the risks linked to dual-use research, and the importance of responsible data integration and reuse. 

On the topic of AI, she introduces the concepts of Ethics by Design and Ethics of Use, emphasising that AI technologies must be designed and applied in ways that respect human rights, privacy, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that advanced technologies are used responsibly throughout the project.