Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks in AI-Driven Pharmaceutical Research & Development

Author

• Dhaval Dinesh PanchalFollow
• Osama Mohd Hash Ansari, Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyFollow
• Sudha Divya Madhuri Kallam, Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Completion Date

Spring 4-13-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Program or Discipline Name

Project Management

First Advisor

Tedd A. Wheeler

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being utilized in pharmaceutical research and development to speed up drug discovery, enhance clinical trial design, and support regulatory decision-making. However, the increasingly rapid adoption of AI in the pharma industry has outpaced the development of consistent ethical governance, raising concerns related to data privacy, transparency, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust. This study explored the methods by which project managers could develop and utilize ethical decision-making frameworks to facilitate responsible AI implementation in pharmaceutical research and development. Guided by the Responsible Innovation framework, this research employed a mixed-methods design combining semi-structured interviews and quantitative surveys with pharmaceutical professionals, regulatory experts, and AI ethics specialists. Qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative statistical analysis were used to triangulate findings. The study examined strategies for ensuring compliance with data-privacy regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, communication practices that influence stakeholder trust, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The findings highlighted gaps between regulatory expectations and project-level practices, underscoring the need for structured ethical governance. The research offered practical insights for project managers and enhanced academic discourse on ethical AI governance in pharmaceutical research and development.

Recommended Citation

Panchal, D., Ansari, O., & Kallam, S. (2026). Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks in AI-Driven Pharmaceutical Research & Development. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/96