Roadmapping Resources from the Propagating Research ethIcs around Sexual Marginalization and Transgender Issues Conference (PRISMATIC)

This workshop outlines work done by attendees and organizers of PRISMATIC, a network of subject-matter experts and collaborators working to advance knowledge about ethical and responsible human subjects research with a focus on minoritized individuals and communities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). PRISMATIC first held both virtual workshops and a hybrid conference investigating and building resources for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, etc.) researchers in STEM, and, in the second phase of the project, is developing and testings professional development materials for researchers from graduate students through all career stages of higher education faculty. In this workshop, we first describe the context of our work, including multiple workshops held in spring 2023 and a conference in summer 2023. Second, we discuss best practices and considerations for conceptualizing, designing, conducting, and disseminating higher education research involving LGBTQIA+ participants in STEM education by engaging with materials from our professional development module, developed in 2024 and tested in 2025. We engage our audience in an exploration and discussion of resources developed through PRISMATIC, including critical questions to ask, recommendations for researchers, and scenarios of research situations (informed by real experiences) that raise significant ethical concerns. We emphasize areas of caution or tension and discuss evidence-based responses and suggestions for future research. This workshop is for Education Researchers and Instructors to ensure that research with LGBQTIA+ individuals meets the most ethical and responsible standards, for Students who may participate in such research, and for those who review proposals and journal articles involving such research.