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Lead the Way

Research, built on trust and inclusion, transforms lives

The Power of Research

Did you know that your voice and experience can help shape a better future?
Research is the foundation of breakthroughs that improve lives—from new treatments, to new technologies. But how does research actually work? And how can we make sure it’s done responsibly and ethically? By engaging with research in a thoughtful and informed way, you contribute to the advancement of science while safeguarding the values of trust, accountability, and social responsibility.

Responsible Research Starts With Ethics

Research is an organized process of asking questions and seeking answers to better understand the world around us. By exploring topics ranging from how diseases spread to how animals behave, researchers generate knowledge that leads to innovations such as vaccines, improved public health policies, and solutions to environmental challenges—all aimed at improving lives. Animal research has been instrumental in these advancements, providing the critical foundation for human research. Studies on animals have paved the way for the development of life-saving vaccines for polio, smallpox, and more recently, COVID-19, as well as breakthroughs in cancer treatments, organ transplants, and gene therapies. These biomedical advancements have been crucial in eradicating or controlling diseases and enabling life-saving therapies that would not have been possible without animal research. With animals, researchers gain insights into biological processes and treatments that can be translated into human health innovations, making animal research essential to the progress of human medicine.
To ensure sure research is conducted responsibly, comprehensive ethical guidelines are used throughout the scientific process. Established by government agencies, research oversight committees, and professional organizations, they provide a framework for oversight. These ethical guidelines ensure that research remains trustworthy by protecting the rights and safety of participants, and the ethical and humane treatment of animals, providing reliable results and fostering transparency in the scientific process. Importantly, the ethics surrounding human and animal research have evolved over time, with key milestones shaping the guidelines that govern both. The Research Ethics Timeline highlights these milestones, emphasizing the importance of responsible research practices that balance scientific progress with the ethical treatment of animals, ensuring that animal research is conducted with oversight and accountability. Research Ethics Reimagined Podcast examines research ethics in the 21st century and why it matters to you.

How Does Research Work?

When a research study begins, several steps are taken to ensure the work is ethical and respects the rights of the people or nonhuman animals involved. These steps include:
Getting Approval:
Special committees, such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) for research with people or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) for research with animals, review each study to ensure safety and fairness.
Informing Participants:
If people are part of a study, researchers must explain everything clearly so participants know what to expect and can make informed decisions.
Following Rules:
Researchers must comply with strict laws and guidelines to protect everyone involved and maintain trust. These rules are the basic ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report: respect of persons, beneficense, and justice.

Lead the Way in Your Community

You don’t have to be a scientist to make a difference.

Understanding research is key to ensuring that the discoveries and treatments shaping our world are done in a responsible and ethical way. If you choose to participate in a research study, ask questions. Expect answers that are respectful of your contribution. Your curiosity in research helps create a system where scientific progress happens safely and with integrity. Your interest and your participation are valued.

Here are some key questions to explore with the researcher:

What is the purpose of the research?
Learn why this study is being conducted and how its findings could make a difference — does it address a problem you or your community care about?
Who benefits from the results of the study?
By participating in the research study ask how the research will be used. Will the benefits extend to you, your neighbors, and to future generations.
What are the protections in place for me?
Review the safeguards in place to ensure your rights and your wellbeing are protected in the study.
What are the potential risks of participating?
Consider the possible risks or discomforts and how they will be minimized — are you comfortable with the safeguards in place?
What will be expected of me as a participant?
Clarify the time commitment, activities, and responsibilities involved — does the level of engagement fit with your life?
How will my information be kept private and confidential?
Details should be provided to explain where your information is secured or shared. Ask if it is unclear.

Speak up for what’s right for you and your community.

Trust, care, and responsibility should always be at the forefront of research. Curious to learn more?

Explore a Glossary of Research Definitions to Empower Conversations

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