AN OUTLOOK ON RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEES WORLDWIDE AND IN IRAN

Medicine and ethics have increasingly more links caused by considerable progresses in biotechnology in different fields of medical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The issue of research ethics is one of the most important subjects which have been emphasized by international and regional organizations, policy-makers, medical and religious professions, scientists and researchers in different countries in recent decade. It is widely understood that research ethics committees typically play an important role in evaluating the ethical aspects of medical research. A ‘Research Ethics Committee’ (REC) is defined as a multidisciplinary, independent, body charged with reviewing research involving human participants to ensure that their dignity, rights and welfare are protected. Research ethics committees protect the welfare and rights of participants involved in research through reviewing research proposals, monitoring the conduct of research and dealing with complaints that arise from research. This manuscript will introduce you to the concepts underlying research ethics committees worldwide and in Iran. This paper will begin with a brief history of research ethics, continues with a concise overview of ethics committee situation and responsibilities, and ends with an outline of the national activities. We hope the manuscript could enhance awareness of biomedical researchers about status and duties of research ethics committees and consequently strengthen the RECs in our country.