Ethical Challenges and Opportunities in Global Big Team Science: Lessons from the Psychological Science Accelerator

Global collaborations in psychological science offer enormous potential to improve generalizability, inclusivity, and equity but they also raise profound ethical challenges. In this paper, we draw on our experience as members of the Psychological Science Accelerator’s Ethics Committee to highlight the ethical tensions that arise in big team, cross-cultural psychological research. We synthesize insights from the literature and our committee’s applied work to identify common ethical dilemmas, such as consent processes, authorship, remuneration, and data sharing in global collaborations. We offer practical recommendations and reflective tools for researchers and institutions seeking to center ethical considerations in culturally diverse teams. Our goal is to help reframe global collaboration not only as a scientific opportunity but also as an ethical commitment to inclusivity, justice, and shared leadership.