Ethical review upholds the principles of justice, welfare and respect for persons participating in research. As research becomes more complex, ethical considerations and best practices must keep pace.
With that in mind, the 2024 Clinical Research Ethics Symposium brought together more than 100 people from research ethics and clinical research communities across British Columbia and Canada to explore the ethical questions shaping today’s research. From climate resilience to new approaches for consent, the two-day virtual event spotlighted emerging issues and sparked fresh ideas.
The event highlighted the continual need for those in the field to drive positive change through partnership. Participants left feeling empowered to make sure that clinical research stays ethical, inclusive and ready for the future.
“Our discussions over these two days have made one thing clear: ethics is not static,” said Hanna Jones-Eriksson. She is the research ethics manager, Research Ethics BC — now the research ethics team at Clinical Trials British Columbia. “It must evolve to meet the changing needs of society, researchers and participants alike. The information and knowledge we gained from this symposium will guide future discussions and inform ongoing work to strengthen ethical standards in research.”
The symposium was presented through partnership between Research Ethics BC and Clinical Trials British Columbia, both formerly part of Health Research BC, in collaboration with a planning committee. Thank you to the speakers, facilitators, planning committee and participants who made this symposium a success.
The research ethics team at Clinical Trials British Columbia plays a vital role in bringing ethics boards across the province together. Our team offers education, training, and resources to strengthen their capabilities and harmonize reviews.