Bill of Rights for Research Participants
This Bill of Rights seeks to ensure the ethical and respectful treatment of individuals who voluntarily participate in research by informing them of their rights.
Participants have the right to be fully informed about the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of the research before agreeing to participate.
Participants have the right to have time to decide whether they would like to participate without any pressure and refuse to be in the study at all.
Participants have the right to comprehend the information presented to them and must voluntarily consent to participate without coercion or undue influence.
Participants have the right to withdraw from the research at any time without penalty.
Participants have the right to be informed of any foreseeable risks of being in the study, as well as potential benefits that may result from their participation in research.
Participants have the right to be told if there is any cost to participating in the study, and whether they will be compensated for participating.
Participants have the right to privacy, and their personal information should be handled with utmost confidentiality. Researchers must take all necessary precautions to protect participants' privacy.
Participants have the right to have their data securely stored and protected from unauthorized access. Researchers are obligated to implement appropriate measures to safeguard participant data.
Participants have the right to be told who will have access to information collected about them.
Participants are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the research process.
Participants have the right to clear and timely communication about any changes in the research protocol.
Participants have the right to receive a debriefing after the completion of the research, providing them with information about the study's purpose.
Participants have the right to expect that the research is conducted under the oversight of an ethical review board or committee, ensuring that ethical principles are upheld.
Participants have the right to be told whom to contact with questions about the research and their rights as a research participant.
This Bill of Rights aims to establish a framework that fosters ethical, transparent, and respectful research practices, prioritizing the rights and well-being of those who contribute to the advancement of knowledge by voluntarily participating in research. Researchers, institutions, and sponsors are encouraged to adhere to these principles in the pursuit of scientific progress.