How is research regulated?
The following is a list of just some of the regulations and guidelines that are in place for research involving human subjects. It is by no means intended to be exhaustive, but only a representative sampling. The Nuremberg Code is an example of international regulation on general research involving human subjects. It was established in1946, after the atrocities of WWII and requires that subjects’ consent for research must be voluntary, competent, informed and comprehensive. Specific to stem cell research, the International Society of Stem Cell Researchers (ISSCR) first wrote guidelines in 2006 and revised them in 2008. ISSCR guidelines give researchers and doctors direction for moving stem cells from promising research to practical, ethical application. Examples of general research guidelines on a national level include the Belmont Report (1978), which identifies basic ethical principles for conducting research involving human subjects.
