July 2023 update:
To date this very popular course has been accessed by scholars from 160 countries, with over 400,000 modules taken and 200,000 certificates awarded. The course is currently being updated and will re-launch later this year. If you would like an email alert when the updated course goes live, please sign up here.
Please note that the Google Translate function; available at the top of each page, is not part of this e-learning course and is not intended to be used in conjunction with this training material. Translations of this e-learning course are in process and will be made available as soon as possible.
Research Ethics Online Training is adapted from an e-Learning course and resource package designed and produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use by internal staff. Research is a vital ingredient for improved global health and scientifically sound and ethically appropriate research is especially important in resource-poor settings where the need for locally applicable research findings is so great. Therefore the WHO has very kindly granted permission for the adaption of this resource in a format and platform that is accessible to all.
This is a substantial course and each of the 14 areas addressed is available as an individual module. We recommend that you navigate the course in the order defined below. Each module varies in length but no module should take longer than 15 to 30 minutes to complete. When you exit a module the system will save your progress so you can continue from the same point when returning to the course.
The quiz for each module has been created by The Global Health Network to help you test your knowledge of the course material and to gain certification to demonstrate that you have successfully completed the entire course. Each quiz must be taken in order and we recommend that each quiz is taken directly after completing its associated module.A certificate will be issued on successful completion of all fourteen quiz sections (minimum of 80% required).
Before beginning the course please take 5 minutes to read through the course introduction and overview by selecting the link below:
Course Modules
Research Ethics Introduction & Course Overview
Introduction to Research Ethics
Module 1: Introduction to Research Ethics ► Quiz 1
Module 2: Principles and Guidelines ► Quiz 2
Ethical Considerations in International Health Research
Module 3: Evaluating Risks and Benefits ► Quiz 3
Module 4: Issues in Study Design ► Quiz 4
Module 5: Understanding Vulnerability ► Quiz 5
Module 6: Obligations to Research Participants ► Quiz 6
Module 7: Engaging with Communities ► Quiz 7
Module 8: Privacy and Confidentiality ► Quiz 8
Module 9: Informed Consent ► Quiz 9
Module 10: Other Ethical Issues ► Quiz 10
Special Topics in Research Ethics
Module 11: Biobanks and genomic research ► Quiz 11
Module 12: Including people with disabilities ► Quiz 12
Module 13: Women in Biomedical Research ► Quiz 13
Module 14: Research in Public Health Emergencies ► Quiz 14
Your feedback is greatly appreciated; please take a couple of minutes to tell us your thoughts on this course:
