A Nuffield Council on Bioethics webinar
Ethics in the research response to COVID-19
Friday 3 April, 12.00-12.40 (BST)
Join us and experts from the UK, US and Brazil for a discussion on how research can be undertaken ethically during the emergency response to COVID-19.
Obra; Tomás Saraceno
Governments and companies around the world are investing millions in research on the COVID-19 virus. Researchers are rapidly collecting samples and data to increase our understanding of the virus and to develop diagnostic tools, and clinical trials of vaccines and therapies have been established at incredible speed. This research will play a crucial role in supporting the immediate healthcare response, as well as in our learning for the future.
Global health emergencies by their nature are challenging environments in which to conduct research. They involve disruption and great health need, and are often accompanied by time pressure to act, uncertainty and distress. Specific challenges include:
- balancing clinical trial safety with the urgent need for vaccines and therapies
- seeking genuinely informed consent from research participants
- facilitating effective collaboration between researchers and institutions
- fair sharing of data and samples between different countries
- ensuring equitable access to any new drugs, therapies or vaccines
In January 2020, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics published the findings of a two year in-depth inquiry into the ethical issues relating to research in global health emergencies. Download here.
Chair: Hugh Whittall, Director, Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/
