Research Ethics
Articles tagged with Research Ethics
JMIR news: Diversity under threat as clinical trials face disruptions
Recent shifts in federal policy and funding have impacted hundreds of clinical trials designed to study disease burdens in underrepresented populations. The report highlights a systemic crisis in medical research, citing a disruption at scale that has affected over 74,000 participants across 383 trials.
Medical scientists apply the strictest ethics – at least in theory
Researchers surveyed in Sweden reveal differing attitudes towards research misconduct and questionable practices across disciplines. Medical scientists hold the strictest views, while social sciences and humanities researchers tend to be more lenient, particularly with regards to open science.
The ISSCR urges continued NIH investment in human embryonic stem cell research to sustain scientific progress and therapeutic innovation
The ISSCR emphasizes that continued investment in hESC research is essential to sustaining scientific progress and advancing life-saving therapies. Human embryonic stem cells remain a cornerstone of modern biomedical research due to their status as a gold standard for human pluripotency.
Oncotarget editorial highlights advances in scientific integrity and publishing transparency
The Oncotarget Editorial Board discusses the journal's evolving approach to scientific integrity, highlighting the importance of modern image forensics tools. The article emphasizes the need for independent analytical and AI-based tools in journal evaluation.
Embryo model ethics beyond box-checking
A proposed embedded ethics approach facilitates ethically responsible research with human stem-cell-based embryo models by integrating continuous dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and regulators. This framework helps build trust and serves as a public policy tool to ensure that research meets both scientific and societal values.
IP4OS publishes the Synergy Framework for Knowledge Valorisation
The Synergy Framework aims to support effective research knowledge valorisation by aligning Open Science and Intellectual Property management. The framework identifies key barriers, including limited IP literacy and policy inconsistencies, and provides recommendations for researchers, institutions, and policymakers.
Innovation at a crossroads: Virginia Tech scientist calls for balance between research integrity and commercialization
A Virginia Tech scientist emphasizes the importance of preserving the nation's ability to turn discovery into life-saving therapies. He argues that strong transparency and careful oversight are key to making the technology-transfer ecosystem work, and that abandoning it could have unintended consequences.
Digital Science and Silverchair partner to bring researcher identity and integrity screening into editorial workflows
The partnership integrates Dimensions Author Check API into ScholarOne Manuscripts, providing publishers with reliable insights into authors' and reviewers' publishing histories. This integration enables quick detection of unusual activities, such as retractions or atypical collaboration patterns.
Vitamin C may help protect fertility from a harmful environmental chemical
Researchers found that male fish exposed to vitamin C and potassium perchlorate showed improved fertility and less damage to their testes compared to those exposed only to the chemical. The study suggests a potential safeguard for individuals regularly exposed to these chemicals, including military personnel.
Sense about Science and Taylor & Francis launch research integrity toolkit for early career researchers
The new research integrity toolkit, created with and for early career researchers, addresses common questions and provides practical advice to avoid integrity pitfalls. The comprehensive guide covers the principles of research integrity, including determining authorship credit, understanding plagiarism, and handling integrity concerns.
Clinical trials affected by research grant terminations at the National Institutes of Health
Approximately 1 in 30 clinical trials were disrupted due to grant funding terminations, disproportionately affecting infectious disease and prevention studies. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable financial support to ensure trial operations and participant safety.
Ethics should lead, not play catch-up, Hiroshima University expert emphasizes as Japan panel OKs making human embryos from stem cells
A Japanese government panel has backed a report allowing research on human embryos created from stem cell-derived sperm and eggs. Professor Tsutomu Sawai of Hiroshima University emphasizes the need for an anticipatory, rather than reactive, approach to ethics in this rapidly advancing field.
Mizzou researchers create a new way to study heart valve stiffness
Researchers developed a 'humanized' model of aortic valve calcification, enabling testing of potential treatments. The breakthrough could lead to new therapies to stop or reverse calcium buildup, improving outcomes for people with heart disease.
Widely cited stat on global water and food security ‘hearsay’ and fragile for policymaking
A new study reveals that widely cited statistics on global water and food security are based on weak evidence and poorly connected to current data. The findings suggest that irrigation's role in global food and water security is highly ambiguous, ranging from 18% to 50%, and its share of global freshwater withdrawals is uncertain.
How to identify and prevent fraudulent participants in health research
Researchers can utilize a combination of automated and manual actions to quickly identify suspicious behavior and prevent fraudulent actors from enrolling in online studies. A comprehensive checklist of indicators helps researchers spot potential fraud, such as similar patterns in email addresses or predictable responses.
MSU study: How can AI personas be used to detect human deception?
A Michigan State University-led study examines how well AI personas can detect human deception and compares their performance to humans. The results show that AI is more lie-biased and less accurate than humans, highlighting the need for improvement before generative AI can be used for deception detection.
Leading the way in targeted cancer treatment
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles to target lung cancer. By manipulating these tiny messenger particles, scientists can deliver specific instructions to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
“Virtual scientists” could soon unlock new frontiers of research
Engineers at Duke University have constructed an 'agentic system' of AI bots that can solve complex design problems nearly as well as a fully trained scientist. The researchers created large language model (LLM) AI agents to complete all the legwork, allowing them to automate straightforward but niche design problems.
Researchers highlight ethical concerns when clinical trials are cut short
The termination of thousands of federal grants has raised ethical concerns about clinical trial closures, particularly among children and adolescents. Researchers argue that sudden stops can break trust and harm participants, violating long-standing principles.
Mizzou researchers help farmers prevent and manage livestock losses
University of Missouri researchers are helping farmers prevent disease outbreaks by teaching biosecurity practices, such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes. They also provide guidance on safe composting methods to dispose of dead livestock, reducing the risk of disease spread.
Registration and abstract submission are open for ISSCR 2026 in Montréal 8-11 July
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together academic and industry leaders to explore advances in stem cell science and regenerative medicine. Scientists can submit abstracts by February 25, 2026, for oral presentations and Travel and Merit Awards.
Insights from 15 years of collaborative microbiome research with Indigenous peoples in the Peruvian Amazon
Researchers developed a framework for building trust-based partnerships with Indigenous communities to study microbiomes. They worked closely with Matsés leaders and community members, incorporating cultural differences and transparency into their methods.
Digital Science introduces Dimensions Research Security API
The new API helps compliance teams quickly identify potential areas of concern and streamline reviews, strengthening oversight and safeguarding funding and reputations. It enables the review of researchers and collaborators with structured data that supports efficient workflows.
BMJ Group retracts trial on apple cider vinegar and weight loss
A study on apple cider vinegar's effectiveness in weight loss was retracted by BMJ Group due to significant methodological flaws, including implausible statistical values and inadequate reporting. The retraction was prompted by concerns raised by statisticians and experts who were unable to replicate the results.
New guideline standardizes consent for research participants in Canada
A new Canadian guideline sets out 75 core elements for participant consent forms to ensure transparency and understanding. The guidance aims to simplify the approval process for all involved in clinical research across Canada.
Inside an academic scandal: a story of fraud and betrayal
A 2012 paper by Max Bazerman claimed 'signing first' increased honesty, but two experiments were later found to be fraudulent. The book tells the story of how this scandal upended academic careers and faith in research.
The ISSCR partners with Nuffield Council on Bioethics to compile global horizon scan on stem cell research
The ISSCR and NCOB will conduct an international horizon scan on stem cell research, gathering insights into the field's future and its ethical implications. The analysis will inform the ISSCR Guidelines and support researchers, clinicians, and regulators worldwide.
The ISSCR and Novo Nordisk Foundation collaborate to host the Society’s 2028 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen
The ISSCR will host its 2028 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers from over 80 countries. The event will support new frontiers in stem cell science and regenerative medicine, fostering global collaboration and discovery of cutting-edge scientific advances.
Colorado State University shutters animal study after pressure from national research ethics group
Colorado State University has shut down a nutrition study on the impact of consuming beans on gut health after pressure from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The study, which claimed to investigate the effect of legumes on human gut microbiome, used 17,766 animals and was funded by the US Department of Agriculture.
Conflicts of interest on CDC vaccine panel were at historic lows before RFK Jr. dismissal
A new study finds reported conflicts of interest on CDC vaccine panels had been at historic lows for years before Kennedy's dismissal. The type of conflict typically considered most concerning, income from vaccine makers, was virtually eliminated among panel members.
New guidance puts communities at the heart of research
A new study provides a framework for researchers to make their work more equitable and representative of local communities. The guidance highlights the importance of community-based research, where community members are actively involved in identifying research priorities and designing studies.
The ISSCR releases targeted update to the guidelines for stem cell research and clinical translation
The ISSCR has released an updated set of guidelines for stem cell research and clinical translation, incorporating advances in human stem cell-based embryo models. The new guidelines aim to provide clear guidance on the development and application of these innovative models.
Recommendations and practical tools issued for conducting ethical first-in-human pig kidney xenotransplant clinical trials
The Hastings Center has released recommendations and practical tools for conducting ethical first-in-human pig kidney xenotransplant clinical trials. The guidelines focus on eligibility for participation, monitoring for infectious diseases, and metrics for evaluating the success of the trials.
Researchers propose next steps towards fewer animal tests
The study identifies the need for more widely adopted non-animal methods to identify endocrine-disrupting substances in the EU. The researchers advocate a balanced approach that includes both developing and validating alternative methods and refining animal testing.
Study highlights major hurdles for multinational clinical trials in Europe
A new study highlights major hurdles for multinational clinical trials in Europe, including differences in timelines and processing times between countries. Researchers found that the UK made significant gains in efficiency during the pandemic, while non-UK countries lagged behind.
University of Bath academics work: Conflicts of interest must be tackled to protect public health
A new article by University of Bath academics highlights the urgent need to address conflicts of interest with industries causing harm, such as tobacco and ultra-processed food. The authors argue that excluding these industries from policy-making is essential to restore trust in public institutions and prevent ill health.
AUTOPSIES: Modes of counter-investigation
Researchers will examine forensic methods, aesthetic practices, and issues of restitution in the context of archival investigation. They will explore how to critically engage with archives of colonial and political violence.
Why regulating stem cell–based embryo model research is important (yet controversial)
The study reviews international trends in regulating stem cell-based embryo model (SCBEM) research, highlighting areas for improvement such as citizen participation, coordination, and informed consent. The authors propose a framework to alleviate complexities, treating fertilized embryos distinctly from SCBEMs and relying on committees...
National nonprofit calls on National Institutes of Health, USDA to investigate federally funded, decades-long alcohol and reproductive experiments on nonhuman primates at Oregon Health & Science University
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed a complaint with the National Institutes of Health and USDA, requesting an investigation into decades-long alcohol-related experiments on nonhuman primates at Oregon Health & Science University. The ongoing experiments have cost over $70 million and involve inducing binge-drin...
Study on knowledge transfer: How the “Gollum effect” hinders research and careers
The study found that almost half of researchers have experienced the Gollum effect, with two-thirds reporting repeated encounters. The phenomenon undermines scientific progress and disproportionately affects early-career and less established researchers.
Taylor & Francis Online highlights updates to cited research through new GetFTR-powered indicators
New indicators have been introduced to Taylor & Francis journal articles to inform readers when cited research has been retracted or updated. These updates ensure researchers are fully informed about the status of the research and can make informed decisions.
While AI could be the game changer in predicting health outcomes it should not be the only method
Combining AI with traditional mathematical modeling can improve cancer treatment outcomes by providing specificity and accuracy. The researchers emphasize the importance of ethically sharing health data to create reproducible science, protecting patient privacy while promoting scientific integrity.
The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Philip Kitcher, a “humanistic intellectual” whose philosophical output has addressed a broad spectrum of the core questions of our time
Philip Kitcher, a renowned Anglo-American philosopher, has received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Humanities category. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of biology and democracy.
Tinker Tots: A citizen science project to explore ethical dilemmas in embryo selection
The Tinker Tots project enables participants to engage with ethical dilemmas in embryo selection, providing valuable insights into human values and decision-making. By navigating rounds of embryo selection dilemmas, users weigh and prioritize traits and conditions, revealing patterns in their thought processes.
Self-belief in employees boosts workplace behavior and ethics, new study
A new study by Aston University found that self-efficacy significantly influences both positive and counterproductive workplace behaviors. Employees with higher self-efficacy are more likely to engage in citizenship performance and resist unethical actions.
Technology for all: Ensuring innovation serves the most vulnerable
A national computing research agenda prioritizes ethical development practices, inclusive resources, and accountability measures to prevent technology harm. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and real-world social impact for vulnerable populations.
Guidelines for the creation of accessible consent materials and procedures: Lessons from research with autistic people and people with intellectual disability
The article presents guidelines for designing consent materials and procedures for autistic adults and people with intellectual disability, highlighting the importance of multiple modes to deliver content. These guidelines aim to improve accessibility and respectfulness in research with individuals on the autism spectrum.
New study fails to show that youth vaping causes future smoking
A new review paper published in Addiction found 'very low-certainty evidence' to support the claim that nicotine vaping causes young people to start smoking. However, the study also suggests that vaping may contribute to declines in youth smoking rates, particularly in the US.
The ISSCR to celebrate 20th anniversary of iPSC Discovery in Kyoto, Japan
The ISSCR International Symposium will commemorate the 20th anniversary of iPSC discovery, highlighting breakthrough achievements and new research advances. The event aims to celebrate the transformative power of scientific curiosity and its potential to unlock cures for previously untreatable diseases.
Recognizing Indigenous rights in environmental data
A team of researchers recommends incorporating principles like collective benefit and ethical governance into ecological data practices to align with existing data infrastructures. They suggest establishing collaborative relationships with Indigenous rights holders and exploring how data can be aligned with Indigenous expertise and wor...
Avoiding patient abandonment – ethical approaches to 'untenable' patient relationships
The article outlines three pathways to manage patients with complex psychiatric conditions, focusing on achieving the best possible patient-centered clinical outcomes. Plastic surgeons may face challenging relationships with patients, particularly those with underlying psychiatric issues.
Beyond ChatGPT: WVU researchers to study use and ethics of artificial intelligence across disciplines
West Virginia University researchers Erin Brock Carlson and Scott Davidson have designed an interdisciplinary program to engage liberal arts faculty in discussions on the social, ethical and technical aspects of artificial intelligence. The program aims to support the creation or redesign of 10 courses incorporating AI, exploring its i...
Understanding bias and discrimination in AI: Why sociolinguistics holds the key to better Large Language Models and a fairer world
A new study aims to address bias and discrimination in AI by leveraging sociolinguistics. By incorporating diverse dialects, registers, and periods of language into training data, researchers can improve the performance of large language models, making them more accurate and reliable. This approach also promotes ethical and socially aw...
New book explores promise and perils of AI for scientific community
The book examines AI's current advances, hurdles, and potential, emphasizing the need for science to maintain core norms and values. Experts advocate for human accountability and responsibility when using AI in research, highlighting the importance of transparent disclosure and attribution.
The new face of “MAKE IT ICONIC. Choose France”, Professor Yasmine Belkaid embodies French boldness in the Government's international campaign
Professor Yasmine Belkaid joins France's 'MAKE IT ICONIC. Choose France' campaign to promote the country's scientific excellence and innovation. As President of Institut Pasteur, she champions open and inclusive science, highlighting its impact on global medical research.
African voices in ink
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
New recommendations published on how to improve and accelerate testing of chemicals
The University of Birmingham and DEFRA's Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee have published new recommendations for improving chemical testing. The report suggests that the UK can adopt a risk-based approach to regulation, using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), to reduce animal testing and improve safety assessments.
National Science Foundation supports Hoda Eldardiry's research to enhance AI ethics education
Hoda Eldardiry receives $349,360 grant from NSF to develop practical competencies for students to apply ethical principles in AI system design. Her team aims to engage industry professionals to translate AI ethics into concrete decision-making.
From compliance to conversation: New guidelines push for ethical reflection in research reporting
A new study calls for the adoption of new research ethics policies to foster learning and discussion of ethical issues. The guidelines aim to shift from compliance-based ethics to promoting ethical norms and practices.