Ethical Matters
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ETHICAL MATTERS
Biotechnology is an esoteric industry, and many of its products and business operations involve the use of living microorganisms and/or biological entities, which tends to be mired in a lot of ethical controversy. Therefore, we aim to address ethical issues, particularly those that affect policy development, implementation, and the legal framework. In addition, we will use normative principles to analyse policies, guidelines, etc. for Biotechnology and innovations.
Apart from that, we will also offer a variety of ethics training, talks, and consultations for individuals, organisations, and institutions. Both ethics talks and training may include CPD point accreditation.
See projects in this area below.
Ethics Consultation
We offer ethics consultation to help businesses develop and adhere to a set of ethical principles, which are beliefs the company and its shareholders agree to uphold. To also help with research projects, such as research proposals and/or research planning and/or clinical trials and/or community engagement and/or publication. Furthermore, to assist in developing Ethics Policies for your organisation.
Ethical Leadership Training
As a business, it is important that you provide your employees with the right training to help your managers and team leaders develop into the best possible ethical leaders. Training will benefit those in management and in leadership. This will offer a chance to develop, gain new skills, and use these skills to develop into a more rounded leader. Symonds research advises that the best suitable training for ethics training is Decision Making; Apathy training; Diversity, Inclusion, & Equality (DIE) (we prefer Equity), Listening Skills, and Conflict Resolution Skills. We agree with them on this, as this will assist in developing an ethical leader. Howbeit, this training focuses on having the right attitude to want to be an ethical leader, as this is fundamentally important for the development of ethical leadership. It also focuses on the introduction of ethical leaders and assisting leaders to have a broader understanding of what it takes to be an ethical leader, as well as models to be used for ethical decision-making.
We offer an ethical leadership training that is founded on themes mentioned by Symonds, including other additional themes. We also offer a research (DEI) and an advanced (DEI) course that includes management, which can be arranged in collaboration with DEI organisational experts; these can be offered with or separate from the leadership training. In this area, we also offer professionalisation training that focuses more on the organisation than merely those in leadership or managerial positions.
Human Research Ethics Training (HREC)
Due to the nature of much biomedical and health science research, it has become important and fundamental to build research that is centered around humanity. Such research is one that not only focuses on scientific validity and efficacy but also considers other social matters, legal issues, and ethical considerations. Therefore, many institutions or organisations that conduct research on humans have become a necessity in navigating the legal, ethical, and social issues that science and research can pose.
This training course is founded on the biomedical science principles for research and consist of two levels, foundations level and an advanced level, to train Research Ethics Committee (REC) Members the tools to understand, deliberate, analyse, and make ethical decisions when reviewing research proposals for ethic’s review and clearance.
In this area, we will also help institutions be ready to register their REC with the Department of Health.
Animal Research Ethics Training (AREC)
Due to the nature of many biomedical, health science, and agriculture research projects using an animal model, it has become important and fundamental to build research that is centered around the humane care and use of animals and will not violate animals' rights. Animal ethics and rights have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and there has been a shift in how to conduct research using an animal model. Therefore, research using animals requires ethical considerations and reviews in protecting animals, particularly indigenous animals, although this is a contentious matter. As such, many institutions or organisations that conduct research using animal models must get ethics approval prior to the start of a research project.
This training course is founded on the 4Rs (Reduction, Refining, Replacement, and Responsibility) and the principle of utilitarianism for research and consists of an introduction level with practical application for Animal Research Ethics Committee Members (AREC) to gain the necessary training tools to understand, deliberate, analyse, and make ethical decisions when reviewing research proposals for ethics clearance.
In this area, we will also help institutions be ready to register their REC with the Department of Health.
Research/ Scientific Integrity
Research integrity is vital to the future prosperity of academic research. It is only through observing the highest standards of research integrity that we can truly achieve research excellence in an increasingly competitive and international market (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics).
Research or scientific integrity ensures high-quality research and prevents misconduct. This training course is founded on the various ethical principles that are related to research integrity. These principles will help researchers gain an understanding of issues around research integrity, conflict of interest, research misconduct, etc., while engaging in research before, after, and during research projects and publications.