Bioethics in Biomedical Research

This chapter explores how bioethics came to be recognised as an essential element of biomedical research in the 20^th century. We trace historical developments in bioethics from the beginnings of research on humans in the 19^th century, touching on moral transgressions that led to the Nuremberg Code and describing how the principles expounded in the Code were expanded and transformed into practical dictums through the Belmont report and Declaration of Helsinki. We discuss the four principles (autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice) on which modern approaches to biomedical ethics are based. We provide a detailed discussion of the important topic of informed consent and of the critical role of bioethical research committees in ensuring the protection of human beings in clinical research. We also examine how bioethical principles apply to animal research and how these principles are also evolving. Finally, we comment on current trends and the future of bioethics in research.