Pioneering study catalogs ethical issues of scientific research in developing world

McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health,
Toronto
10 Sep 07

B0006252 Human embryonic stem cellsThe first comprehensive examination of the ethical, social and cultural (ESC) challenges faced by major science programs in developing countries has identified a complex assortment of issues with the potential to slow critical global health research if left unaddressed.

The findings are published in this week’s PLoS Medicine.

The challenges range from problems such as government corruption to questions surrounding community and public engagement, cultural acceptability, and gender.

Professor Peter Singer (Senior Scientist, McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto) and colleagues conducted 70 interviews with academics, government officials, and NGO and private sector experts from developing countries. The study team pinpointed 13 ESC issues of concern for major science programs.

Full text: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-09/plos-psc090407.php

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