Ethical Research Practice

This course focuses on ethics and academic integrity in research, exploring ethical behavior, academic misconduct, and establishing environments that support ethical research practices. The course covers ethical conduct in experimentation, including animal and human studies, collaborations, and publishing. Students learn to identify ethical issues, recognize various forms of misconduct, and implement mechanisms to ensure exemplary research practices. The course emphasizes critical evaluation through case studies to develop strategies for preventing misconduct and fostering a culture of integrity in scientific research.

Meet the Profs

Dr. Tim Regnault

Dr. Emily Truscott

Course Objectives

Apply ethical principles to discussions and analyses of basic science and clinical research.

Develop an understanding of ethical issues and policies addressed by ethics committees that oversee human and
animal research

Critically evaluate case studies involving animal and human research subjects to provide interpretation, discussion,
and recommendations for each case

3 Minute Presentation

The 3-minute presentation is about evaluating whether the contemporary interpretation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) should be adopted or if the original principles as presented by Russell and Burch in 1959 are still sufficient. The goal is to critically assess the relevance of the original 3Rs in modern research practices and argue whether updates are necessary to fully address ethical considerations and humane animal welfare. This reflection is important because the 3Rs principle underpins many regulations and policies in animal research, and ensuring they evolve appropriately can lead to better ethical standards and improved scientific outcomes.

Click to watch my presentation!

Communication Director Piece

The communication director piece involves crafting a response or communication strategy as if you were the communications director for an organization involved in a controversial issue. It requires assessing the situation, identifying key stakeholders, and developing a clear and effective message to address public concerns or criticisms. The exercise aims to enhance skills in crisis communication, audience analysis, and delivering a balanced message that aligns with ethical standards while protecting the organization's reputation.

Ethical Consideration Reflection

The Ethical Consideration Reflection involves examining ethical issues within clinical research, specifically considering the ethical requirements outlined by Emanuel et al. This reflection focuses on the seven key ethical requirements for preclinical studies: social or scientific value, scientific validity, fair subject selection, favorable risk-benefit ratio, independent review, informed consent, and respect for subjects. The goal is to understand how these ethical standards apply to preclinical experiments, such as testing new Alzheimer’s treatments in animal models, and to evaluate the ways these principles protect the welfare of research subjects and ensure valuable, responsible research.

Reflection

What I learned

I learned about the principles of ethics and academic integrity in research, focusing on ethical behavior, the prevention of misconduct, and fostering a culture of integrity. I explored various ethical challenges, including the ethical conduct of animal and human studies, as well as the issues surrounding predatory journals and collaborations. This course deepened my understanding of how ethical practices ensure the credibility and reliability of scientific research.

Skills I developed

I developed skills in identifying ethical issues early in the research process and applying ethical guidelines to prevent misconduct. Additionally, I enhanced my ability to critically evaluate case studies, recognize red flags for unethical behavior, and formulate strategies for maintaining ethical standards in research settings. I also gained experience in articulating ethical arguments clearly, both in writing and during discussions.

Learning Log

How will I use it in the future

In the future, I will use these skills to ensure that my research projects are conducted with high ethical standards, particularly when dealing with human or animal subjects. This knowledge will help me evaluate the ethical aspects of research protocols, identify risks, and ensure transparency and accountability in any collaborative work. These skills will be crucial for contributing to responsible research practices and ensuring that my work upholds the integrity necessary for advancing medical science.