III. Basic Tenets of Ethical Research Practice

Researchers should make every effort to ensure a fair distribution of risks and benefits and that there is fair access to the benefits of the research.

  • No one group (such as the poor, mentally disabled, those in developing countries, etc.) should disproportionately bear the risks of research.
  • No one group (e.g. the researchers, people in wealthy countries) should reap all the rewards and benefits of research (in the form of publications, patents, knowledge, etc).
  • Researchers must provide special protection for vulnerable groups.
  • Justice does not permit using vulnerable groups - such as low-resource persons - as research participants for the exclusive benefit of more privileged groups.
  • Recruitment and selection of participants must be done in a fair and equal manner.
  • Research participants must be informed about the results of the research.

Reference: Australian National Statement p.12