Ethics & Quality by Design: Challenges & Opportunities in Research and Health Practice

Evidence-based decision-making depends on high-quality research that is both scientifically rigorous and ethically sound. The emergence of novel technologies—such as artificial intelligence—in research and healthcare practice has prompted a necessary revision of international ethical guidelines to keep pace with innovation. The adoption of "quality by design" as a foundational principle introduces both challenges and opportunities for the scientific and ethical communities. It aims to foster best practices and ultimately enhance population health and well-being. In this context, ethics plays a vital role in ensuring that the benefits of new knowledge and technologies serve the common good and contribute to social advancement.

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Call for Abstract Submission

1. Application of the principles of ‘ethics and quality by design’ in research and practice
   -Integrating quality research with ethical compliance
   -Revision of national guidelines
   -Promoting scientific soundness and research integrity
   -Updating standard operating procedures
   

2. Development of ethical guidelines for subject specific areas
   -Responsible conduct of social science research
   -Pandemic ethics
   -Gene therapy
   -Public health research
   -Mental health
   -Human involvement in environmental research
   -Research about vulnerable populations
   

3. Designing 'fit for purpose' community and 'patient centric' research
   -Public health interventions
   -Novel approaches in mental health practice and research
   -Patient safety during clinical trials
   -Evidence based health education and promotion
   -Addressing conspiracy theories and misinformation
   -Social influencers and social media for better health
   -Data sharing and publication
   

4. Ethical collaboration and networking for ethical use of technology
   -Use of AI and machine learning in health research
   -Use of AI in health practice
   -Use of artificial intelligence chatbots in health care
   -Use of AI in academic research
   

5. Promoting quality by design and ethical conduct of biomedical research
   -Diagnostic tool development
   -Vaccine development
   -Development of medical device
   -Novel approaches in traditional/ complementary medicine
   -Gene editing, genetic research, genetic counseling
   -Personalized medicine, stem cell, etc.
   -Decentralized clinical trials
   -Use of real world evidence (RWE) in product development
   -Good patient registry research
   -Patient-centric clinical trials
   -Elements of good implementation research
   -Good practice in real-world data research
   

6. Promoting responsible conduct of research (RCR) educational programs
   -Empowering lay persons as REC members
   -Developing RCR curriculum and evaluation
   -Fostering health literacy
   -Role of academic advisers
   -Institutional support for RCR
   -Health education and promotion
   

7. Good research management of RECs
   -REC self-audit mechanisms
   -Survey feedback from REC clientele
   -Confidentiality protection of private and sensitive data
   -Protection of vulnerable populations
   -Conflict of interest mechanisms
   -Risk/ benefit assessment
   -Quality assurance in ethics review
   -Innovative consent and assent forms
   -Good meeting management practice
   -Best practices in scientific review of innovative researches
   -Good post approval review
   -Good documentation and archiving
   -Effective communication practice
   -Good meeting dynamics
   -Single and joint review of multicenter protocols
   -Innovative practices in ethics review