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The goal of a research ethics program is to give those involved in research an opportunity to explore potential ethical issues that may arise in the conduct of research. Examples of issues may include: the process of obtaining informed consent, managing incidental findings (finding something in a research participant a researcher was not looking for), the tension between clinical patient care and research, recruiting subjects, or the researcher-subject relationship.
Research ethics is distinct from the legal requirements of research, research compliance, or an Institutional Review Board. The Donnelley Ethics Program is available to all those involved in research as a resource for ethics education and consultation. Services offered by the Donnelley Ethics Program include:
- Seminars and Lectures: Educational programs for research and clinical staff are provided by the Ethics team or local experts.
- Research Ethics Consultations: Consultations are designed to help those involved in research think through specific ethical and social issues that arise during the course of their research. Often, these issues have not been considered or addressed in existing regulations and requirements. Upon request of a consultation, members of the Ethics Program and any relevant experts may meet with those involved in the research project to formally offer guidance and recommendations.
- Research Ethics Inquiries: Inquiries are informal discussions or questions that are brought to the Ethics Program by those involved in research. In these instances, the Ethics Program may offer guidance or clarification of the issue without a formal consultation.
There is no charge for the Program’s services, and anyone involved with research at AbiliyLab may request an educational program, research ethics consultation, or make an inquiry. Requests for consults or inquiries are confidential.