Did you know that there are many ethical principles that researchers must follow? This is to ensure that research is done in a way that minimizes risk and provides benefit to research participants. “Research” is a broad term for an organized way to gather information. The information is collected through the use of surveys, interviews, medical record reviews, tests or medical procedures. Research needs to provide valuable knowledge to benefit people. It also has the potential to improve the care or well-being of future generations.
The University of Pittsburgh takes research ethics seriously. Its Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) oversees all studies. The mission of this Institutional Review Board is “to protect and serve.” Each study is reviewed by multiple trained staff members to ensure that the study meets research ethics principles.
Recently, there have been national efforts to increase community engagement in research and demonstrate respect for cultural differences. When communities are involved in research and working with researchers, people can benefit from the shared knowledge. Community involvement also gives people a voice in the direction of the research.
Judith Navratil, MA, CIP, is a faculty research liaison for the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Office. Ms. Navratil works with academic researchers to ensure that their research meets regulatory and ethical standards. She also gives presentations to community members, people working in academics and students on the importance of conducting ethical research. She trains researchers and communities on how important it is for research to be equitable. This means that the risks and benefits of scientific research are equally distributed among all communities.
Ms. Navratil says, “Before joining the staff of HRPO, I worked for nearly 20 years as a research coordinator. I ran studies of children and teens with mental health issues. From this experience, I learned that research participants are the most important members of the research team. Without their willingness to share their experiences, advances in scientific knowledge would not be possible.”
If you would like to learn more about Pitt’s HRPO, visit www.irb.pitt.edu.
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