Training in the ethics of scientific research on human subjects

Welcome to the program on the Ethics of Scientific Research: basic training for researchers and members of Research Ethics Committees.

This is an international version of the program offered by the Bioethics Unit, of the Autonomous University of Querétaro in collaboration with the National Bioethics Commission of Mexico.

The program consists of seven chapters:

  • The history of the ethics of research with human subjects
  • Codes, laws and principles
  • Research Design
  • Informed consent
  • Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Research with vulnerable individuals and groups
  • Research Ethics Committees

Perspective of the Program

The text of the program is a loose translation and adaptation, by the author, of texts presented in the Spanish version of the program and originally in the book Ética de la investigación científica.*

As a basic training program this brief introduction could not include all information relevant to the ethical consideration of research protocols. Mentioned here, however, are several controversial issues related to research in humans. The intent of the presentation has been to present balanced perspectives on controversial issues. The scope of a educational presentation of bioethics must be public and multi-perspective. The perspectives mentioned in this matter do not represent positions of the Autonomous University of Querétaro, nor of the National Bioethics Commission. The responsibility for the balance of perspectives remains with the author of the text, Dr. Robert T. Hall (bobwvsc@yahoo.com).

The use of cases and examples is a crucial part of this training. It is by consideration of cases and examples that both researchers and committee members with responsibilities to review protocols can gain experience in the exercise of practical judgment. The obligation of both is not to apply a code of rules mechanically, but to develop and use appropriate wisdom. Frequently the text offers no conclusive opinions on these exemplary cases. Sometimes there are differences of opinion and the objective is to provoke consideration.

The materials of this program were originally made possible by Grant Number R25 TW009731 from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fogarty International Center. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Fogarty International Center or the NIH.

* Arellano, J.S. Hall, R.T. y Hernández J., (Coordinadores). Ética de la investigación científica. (2014). Querétaro, México: Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. http://www.unidadbioetica.com 

Material original

Robert T. Hall
Unidad de bioética, Facultad de Filosofía, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro

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The materials of this program were made possible by Grant Number R25 TW009731 from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fogarty International Center. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Fogarty International Center or the NIH.

Bibliography