Background Research proactively and deliberately aims to bring about specific changes to
how societies function and individual lives fare. However, in the ever-expanding field of
ethical regulations and guidance for researchers, one ethical consideration seems to have
passed under the radar: How should researchers act when pursuing actual, societal
changes based on their academic work? Main text When researchers engage in the process
of bringing about societal impact to tackle local or global challenges important concerns …

BackgroundResearch proactively and deliberately aims to bring about specific changes to
how societies function and individual lives fare. However, in the ever-expanding field of
ethical regulations and guidance for researchers, one ethical consideration seems to have
passed under the radar: How should researchers act when pursuing actual, societal
changes based on their academic work? Main textWhen researchers engage in the process
of bringing about societal impact to tackle local or global challenges important concerns …