Human Research Ethics Online Training

Children are a vulnerable community and require special protections when conducting research.

Respect "involves providing for the protection of those with diminished or no autonomy, as well as empowering them where possible and protecting and helping people wherever it would be wrong not to do so." [1]

Vulnerable groups may need particular protection from the risks of research participation. Such vulnerable groups include:

•  those who lack capacity for informed consent 
•  those who are subordinate members of a hierarchical group

Dealing with vulnerable communities requires particular sensitivity. Sometimes community representatives can help researchers recognize the unique decision-making processes of individuals and communities and suggest the best ways to empower participants to make voluntary decisions. Doing research with vulnerable communities requires particular care in research design which will be carefully studied by Human Research Ethics Committees.

Some examples of vulnerable communities include prisoners, children, and the mentally disabled.

[1] Australian National Statement p.11. Also see the Australian National Statement, chapter 4 (p.51-76) to review ethical considerations specific to research participants, including vulnerable groups

Photo taken by a member of the Clinical Trial Group at Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne