Introduction to Research Ethics Training Curriculum

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Introduction to the Research Ethics Training Curriculum

It is essential that fundamental ethical principles be included in the design and implementation of research involving human participants. Ethical research principles are considered universal, transcending geographic, cultural, economic, legal and political boundaries. 

Although these principles are universal, the availability of the resources needed to maintain these principles is not universal, and the procedures used for the ethical vigilance of research studies may not be optimal. For instance, no universal principle exists to monitor how research will be conducted.

Regardless of limitations, ethical research principles must guide those who plan, conduct and sponsor research that involves human participants. Human participation in research projects has contributed to better quality of life through the development of diagnostic tools and successful treatments.

This Research Ethics Training Curriculum has been developed for international researchers who:

  • conduct research that includes human participants

  • want to incorporate fundamental ethical considerations in design and implementation of their research


The Lotus Flower

The Research Ethics Training Curriculum uses the lotus flower to symbolize fundamental ethical elements. The lotus flower image represents "purity and perfection" in some cultures. The ethical considerations discussed in this curriculum aim for a pure and perfect research design—the foundation on which ethical research study is developed and implemented. 

However, each research design will be unique in that it will be:

  • specific to the study’s design and research outcomes

  • important to the local research population

  • intrinsic to the local culture

Because each research design will be unique, a different lotus flower—representing the local culture and characteristics of each research study—is shown at the beginning of each section of the Contents section of the Research Ethics Training Curriculum.


The Research Ethics Training Curriculum offers international researchers:

  • an overview to the development and philosophy of research ethics

  • case studies so that the learner can consider real-world examples of ethical issues

  • materials to assist researchers in designing studies that respect local regulations, cultures and expectations

  • ancillary reference documents on modern perspectives that shape the research ethics field

The researcher sets as a primary goal the protection of research volunteers while at the same time incorporating ethical considerations for project design and implementation. 

The principles of research ethics have grown out of abuses in the past. Today a great amount of attention is directed at research that involves human participants. International research ethics ensure that research conducted at the local level follows international expectations and standards. Following such international expectations validates the time and energy invested by the researcher—as well as the good will and trust invested by the participants. 

It is essential that local researchers familiarize themselves with the subject matter in this curriculum. Knowing current attitudes about research ethics will assist each researcher in aiming for the goal symbolized by the lotus flower—purity and perfection in each research study. 

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