Research into the corruption risks of information technology, human rights in the workplace and appropriate responses to terrorism are just a few of the areas that have gained the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics (CAPPE) a significant international standing. 

Following the first major review of CAPPE’s research activities, the Australian Research Council (ARC) has recently confirmed funding of $2.7 million for the Centre over the next three years.

CAPPE - a collaboration between Charles Sturt University and the University of Melbourne - concentrates on research into ethics in criminal justice, biotechnology, information technology and emergent technologies, business and the professions, welfare, political violence and state sovereignty. It aims to contribute to professional conduct, public debate and policy in these areas. 

CAPPE Director, CSU’s Professor Seumas Miller said recent highlights included research consultancies for the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, which analysed electronic corruption in the public sector, and its report on codes of ethics for the Professional Standards Council of NSW and Western Australia. 

“Our research identified that information technology benefits cannot be fully realised until there is greater awareness of potential corruption risks,” Professor Miller said.

“In addition, our collaborations with international institutions have been particularly important to our success. Relationships with institutions in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, USA, India and China enhance our understanding of the issues at the core of our research, which are of global concern.

“For example, CAPPE was the collaborator in an international workshop on terrorism and counter-terrorism held at Bielefeld University in Germany in 2002. The aim was to analyse moral issues surrounding terrorism and discuss how nations and institutions should respond to terrorism.”

Since its establishment in July 2001, CAPPE researchers have authored or edited more than 34 books, 180 refereed articles and book chapters and 105 conference papers and 13 workshops.

“CAPPE has also organised the innovative Philosophy Nights program in a Sydney restaurant, which stimulates discussion on philosophy in everyday life over an informal dinner banquet,” Professor Miller said.

In addition to extending its research and related consultancies, Professor Miller said over the next three years the centre would fund three annual scholarships for postgraduate students, complementing its existing postgraduate coursework and research programs.