An Interpretative Phenomenological Exploration of Ethical Experiences in Innovation among Early-Career Medical Biotechnology Researchers

Abstract

Medical biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that challenges conventional ethical and regulatory frameworks, particularly for early-career researchers. While technical advancements in this domain continue to accelerate, limited attention has been paid to how young scientists experience and make sense of ethical and institutional constraints during the innovation process. Despite existing policies and procedural guidelines, little is known about the subjective reflections of young researchers navigating these challenges—prompting the question: how do early-career scientists construct meaning within ethically ambiguous research environments? This study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of young biotechnology researchers facing regulatory and ethical uncertainty. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants were conducted at a major research-intensive university in Southeast Asia and analyzed thematically using IPA to uncover patterns of reflection and meaning-making. The analysis revealed four central themes: regulatory ambiguity, ethical tension, institutional limitation, and personal transformation. These themes highlight the emotional complexity and moral negotiations that shape how researchers perceive their roles in science and society. The findings suggest that beyond compliance, ethical identity formation is a dynamic and deeply personal process, influenced by institutional support and contextual uncertainty. This research expands our understanding of ethical experiences in scientific innovation and offers a foundation for future studies that seek to develop more human-centered regulatory and ethical frameworks.