研究倫理の基本原則（統合指針を含めて）

抄録

These days, the ethical aspect of biomedical research performed in any country is often highlighted. While biomedical researchers are expected to advance research to improve medical practice, they are also socially pressurized to implement research that is ethically sound. That is why the study of research ethics is being recognized for its importance. This paper outlines current research ethics and important ethical principles, as well as the Japanese Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects.

There are two things that can label a research as unethical : scientific misconduct and problems with the protection of research participants. In a restricted sense, scientific misconduct indicates fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism. In a broader sense, it also includes problems with authorship, conflicts of interest, and indications of harassment.

The protection of research participants is increasingly important these days in biomedical research involving human subjects. The three well–accepted ethical principles are Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice. Biomedical research involving human subjects has to be done in a careful manner to follow these three principles ; otherwise, it could be considered as unethical.

As of 2015, the Japanese Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects is being enforced and covers most of the biomedical research involving human subjects that is performed in Japan. These guidelines reflect many ethical principles, including the three principles cited above, as well as those specified to each setting and method of research. Additionally, the guidelines require ethical education for every biomedical researcher.