Introduction to the Ethical Conduct of Research
From Radiological Sciences
[edit] The Responsible Conduct of Research (INTD 6002)
[edit] Overview
Since 1996, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has required that all of its students take the Ethics in Research course in their second year. The course is taught by Dr. Joel Baseman, Professor and Chair and training grant Director.
[edit] Format
The class format involves the presentation of hypothetical situations that outline ethical dilemmas, followed by role playing and class discussion. In most cases, opinions are solicited from all in attendance before moving to the next presentation. The cases are taken (with permission) from several textbooks on the responsible conduct of research. The issues discussed in the course include plagiarism, authorship, conflict of interest, data selection and management and more (based upon the Office of Research Integrity and PHS policy recommendations).
[edit] Reading Materials
The books “Scientific Integrity: An Introductory Text with Cases” by Frank Macrina and “Teaching the Responsible Conduct of Research through a Case Study Approach” by the AAMC, are used in conjunction with AAUP videotapes to illustrate the many ethical challenges associated with research. Individuals from the office of Laboratory Animal Resources participate in discussions on animal usage. Also, publications listed below are provided to each trainee prior to the course for required reading.
- On Being a Scientist - Responsible Conduct in Research, Second Edition, National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1995.
- Honor in Science, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2000
- Responsible Care & Use of Animals in Research and Teaching Training Booklet, Institutional Animal Care Program, UTHSCSA
- UTHSCSA Handbook of Operating Procedures- Policy Statement Relating to Misconduct/Fraud in Research
- Article - Science and Engineering Ethics, Vol. 4, issue 1, 1998. How to blow the whistle and still have a career afterwards.
- Office of Research Integrity and PHS Policy on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Guidelines
[edit] Topics
[edit] Data acquisition, management, sharing, and ownership
Accepted practices for acquiring and maintaining research data. Proper methods for record keeping and electronic data collection and storage in scientific research. Includes defining what constitutes data; keeping data notebooks or electronic files; data privacy and confidentiality; data selection, retention, sharing, ownership, and analysis; data as legal documents and intellectual property, including copyright laws.
[edit] Mentor/trainee relationships
The responsibilities of mentors and trainees in predoctoral and postdoctoral research programs. Includes the role of a mentor, responsibilities of a mentor, conflicts between mentor and trainee, collaboration and competition, selection of a mentor, and abusing the mentor/trainee relationship.
[edit] Publication practices and responsible authorship
The purpose and importance of scientific publication, and the responsibilities of the authors. Includes topics such as collaborative work and assigning appropriate credit, acknowledgements, appropriate citations, repetitive publications, fragmentary publication, sufficient description of methods, corrections and retractions, conventions for deciding upon authors, author responsibilities, and the pressure to publish.
[edit] Peer review
The purpose of peer review in determining merit for research funding and publications. Includes topics such as, the definition of peer review, impartiality, how peer review works, editorial boards and ad hoc reviewers, responsibilities of the reviewers, privileged information and confidentiality.
[edit] Collaborative science
Research collaborations and issues that may arise from such collaborations. Includes topics such as setting ground rules early in the collaboration, avoiding authorship disputes, and the sharing of materials and information with internal and external collaborating scientists.
[edit] Human subjects
Issues important in conducting research involving human subjects. Includes topics such as the definition of human subjects research, ethical principles for conducting human subjects research, informed consent, confidentiality and privacy of data and patient records, risks and benefits, preparation of a research protocol, institutional review boards, adherence to study protocol, proper conduct of the study, and special protections for targeted populations, e.g., children, minorities, and the elderly.
[edit] Research Involving Animals
Issues important to conducting research involving animals. Includes topics such as definition of research involving animals, ethical principles for conducting research on animals, Federal regulations governing animal research, institutional animal care and use committees, and treatment of animals.
[edit] Research misconduct
The meaning of research misconduct and the regulations, policies, and guidelines that govern research misconduct in PHS-funded institutions. Includes topics such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism; error vs. intentional misconduct; institutional misconduct policies; identifying misconduct; procedures for reporting misconduct; protection of whistle blowers; and outcomes of investigations, including institutional and Federal actions.
[edit] Conflict of Interest and Commitment
The definition of conflicts of interest and how to handle conflicts of interest. Types of conflicts encountered by researchers and institutions. Includes topics such as conflicts associated with collaborators, publication, financial conflicts, obligations to other constituencies, and other types of conflicts.
Long-term Goals of PHS Policy on Responsible Conduct of Research
Increase knowledge of, and sensitivity to, issues surrounding responsible conduct of research.
Improve the ability of participants to make ethical and legal choices in the face of conflicts involving scientific research.
Develop appreciation for the range of accepted scientific practices for conducting research.
Provide information about the regulations, policies, statutes, and guidelines that govern the conduct of PHS-funded research.
Develop positive attitudes toward life-long learning in matters involving the responsible conduct of research.
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