The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) recently held its Basic Research Ethics Training (BRET) on June 6-7, 2024. This intensive program served a specific purpose for the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Research Ethics Oversight Committee (REOC) to equip its members and prospective members with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard the ethical conduct of research.
Esteemed research ethics experts Dr. Ruben C. Mendoza and Dr. Lucila T. Lupo facilitated the BRET program. The program ensured participants stayed current on the latest guidelines and review processes mandated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and PHREB. This commitment to continuous learning aligns the Philippines’ research landscape with the evolving standards of ethical research practiced globally.
BRET went beyond simply informing participants about new regulations. It probed into the core principles that define ethical research, empowering participants to become champions for responsible research practices. The comprehensive BRET program covered a range of topics on ethics and research fundamentals that laid the groundwork by exploring the fundamental connection between ethics and research and defining the pillars of ethical research whereparticipants gained a thorough understanding of the essential characteristics that define ethical research. This included ensuring research is scientifically sound and ethical in whichrigorous methodology and adherence to ethical principles are crucial for reliable and trustworthy research findings. Research should be respectful and inclusive that emphasized the importance of gender and cultural sensitivity in research design and conduct. It also explored the concept of justice in research, ensuring fair selection of participants. Finally, research should be conducted by qualified researchers and approved by Ethical Review that highlighted the importance of qualified researchers conducting the study and the critical role of research ethics committees in reviewing and approving research proposals, including informed consent procedures.
By actively participating in BRET programs, REOC members and aspiring members from WMSU played a critical role. They became better equipped to be the guardians of ethical research, fostering an environment that prioritizes both scientific progress and the well-being of research participants. Ultimately, BRET equipped these individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure research in the university upholds the highest ethical standards, contributing to advancements that benefit society as a whole.
