Research Ethics in Health Research

Master the ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and practical applications essential for responsible health research conduct.

5 weeks | 20 learning hours
Live online + case studies
Certificate of completion
Limited to 25 participants

About this masterclass

Research ethics is the foundation of credible, trustworthy health research. This 5-week intensive masterclass equips researchers, students, ethics committee members, and health professionals with the knowledge and skills to conduct research ethically, navigate IRB processes, and protect participant welfare.

Participants will explore key ethical principles, historical context, regulatory requirements, vulnerable population protections, informed consent processes, data privacy, and ethical dilemmas in health research — with practical case studies from African health research contexts.

What you'll learn

Core ethical principles (Belmont Report)
Historical context of research ethics
Informed consent: process and documentation
Vulnerability and special protections
IRB submission and review process
Data privacy and confidentiality
Community engagement in research
Handling ethical dilemmas and violations

Core ethical principles

Respect for Persons

Autonomy, informed consent, protection of vulnerable populations

Beneficence

Maximize benefits, minimize harms, risk-benefit assessment

Justice

Fair distribution of research burdens and benefits

Curriculum overview

Week 1

Foundations of Research Ethics

Historical context (Nuremberg, Tuskegee, Willowbrook), Belmont Report principles, and the evolution of ethical frameworks.

Week 2

Informed Consent & Participant Protection

Elements of informed consent, capacity assessment, assent, consent waivers, and special considerations for vulnerable groups.

Week 3

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) & Regulatory Frameworks

IRB composition, review levels (exempt, expedited, full), submission requirements, and international guidelines (CIOMS, ICH-GCP).

Week 4

Data Privacy, Confidentiality & Community Engagement

Data protection laws, anonymization, breach protocols, and meaningful community involvement in research.

Week 5

Ethical Dilemmas & Responsible Conduct

Case studies in health research ethics, handling misconduct, authorship ethics, and conflict of interest.

Your instructor

Bioethicist & IRB Expert

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Not yet open

This masterclass is currently in development. Register your interest to receive updates when enrollment opens.

Expression of Interest

You will be redirected to our EOI landing page.

Who should attend

  • Health researchers and investigators
  • Undergraduate & Graduate students
  • IRB/ethics committee members
  • Research coordinators and managers
  • Clinical research associates
  • Public health professionals

What's included

  • 10 live interactive sessions
  • Real-world ethics case studies
  • Informed consent template library
  • IRB submission checklist
  • Recordings of all sessions (90-day access)
  • Certificate of completion

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