Ethical and social justice assessment rubric for data-driven agriculture projects
An evaluation rubric and guidance framework for assessing ethical and social justice considerations in agronomic data collection and analysis. Helps researchers and practitioners make decisions that go beyond narrow technical aspects, supporting responsible data science in agriculture.
Overview
This solution offers an evaluation rubric paired with guidance materials for assessing ethical and social justice aspects in digital tools and processes used for collecting and analyzing agronomic data. Developed as part of a university-wide Data Science Initiative involving over 30 faculty members, the framework supports a "Data for Good & Data for All" approach. The tool enables researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers in agriculture and related fields to evaluate projects and activities beyond narrow technical criteria, embedding responsibility and equity into data-driven workflows.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Structured rubric for evaluating ethical and social justice dimensions in data science projects
- Accompanying guidance and background documents to support informed decision-making
- Adaptable framework originally developed for general data science and being refined for domain-specific applications such as agriculture
- Suitable for use in coursework, project reviews, and institutional assessment processes
- Designed to complement existing professional codes of ethics by providing practical, decision-oriented guidance
Technology readiness level
A first version of the rubric and accompanying materials has been developed and tested with Data Science volunteers and summer course students. Future validation during the 2021-22 academic year includes information sessions, workshops, and classroom application across disciplines such as AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, and Philosophy. The team is actively seeking to incorporate agriculture-specific considerations and welcomes collaboration with external partners interested in refining and applying the framework to agronomic contexts.
About California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a comprehensive public polytechnic in San Luis Obispo known for applied learning and industry-relevant research. Facilities include extensive maker and prototyping spaces, pilot-scale labs for product and process development, and an on-campus research park that co-locates companies with faculty and students. Partnerships grow through sponsored senior design, internships, and capstone collaborations, reinforced by Learn by Doing and a Central Coast location between the Bay Area and Southern California. Research is supported by competitive federal and state funding, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, plus corporate contracts. A dedicated technology transfer office and entrepreneurship programs guide IP, licensing, and incubation.
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