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Human Research Protection Program
Information for the Community
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Basic ethical principles
The ethical principles guiding human subjects research are long-standing.
A set of ethical principles derived from the 1979 Report of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (commonly known as the "Belmont Report") has formed the basis for human subject protections.
| Principle |
Definition |
| Respect for persons |
Individuals should be treated as capable of autonomous decision-making. Therefore, individuals must give their voluntary (uncoerced) and informed consent before participating in research studies. Persons with diminished autonomy (often referred to as vulnerable populations, described later in this module) are entitled to additional protection.
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| Beneficence |
Human subjects should not be exposed to unnecessary risks.
Research should maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harm.
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| Justice |
The benefits and risks of research must be distributed fairly. This requires the fair and equitable selection of human subjects for research.
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