Guidelines for Ethical Research
Responsibly conducting research is key to furthering the field of mammalian synthetic biology. When conducting research it is important to assess the public value and potential future consequences of research. iGEM amplifies these considerations as it is an open source biology platform. As iGEM teams we especially have a responsibility to conduct ethical research. As a team dedicated to opening the field of mammalian synthetic biology to undergraduates, we wanted to assess consequences of making genetic engineering more accessible. To weigh the potential ethical implications of developing a CRISPR-based mammalian system, we consulted with bioethicist Dr. Mark Yarbough of the UC Davis Medical School to create an ethics framework to incorporate into our project and for future iGEM teams to use.
We are addressing a greater need in the iGEM and synthetic biology community of better integrating bioethics into research to build and maintain public trust in genetic engineering. By developing an easily integratable bioethics framework, we are exposing more students to bioethics. In our own lab space, we implemented the “Ethics and Community Impact Assessment” (ECIA) for students to work through with their project proposals for synthetic biology research. We hosted an Ethics Hour with students in BioInnovation Group an undergraduate synthetic biology research group, to unroll our bioethics framework. These guidelines are aimed to improve education in bioethics and to build public trust in synthetic biology. To learn more about our Ethics Hour and to learn how to use the ECIA, please see our Public Engagement Tab.
A Crash Course in Bioethics
Why Ethics?
Ethically conducted research preserves public trust while producing reliable results . Maintaining public trust in research is the responsibility of all scientists and is vital for the ability to do future research. Public trust is gained through careful research that is clearly presented and reproducible. Research must have social value to be conducted, and must follow all regulations and safety guidelines. Researchers must additionally consider the potential risks associated with their research.
How do we learn Ethics?
Students can learn to apply ethics in different educational categories. In their formal education, what professors present through their coursework, students can learn the theory and history of bioethics. During their informal education, students practice applying and discussing ethics with their peers. Hidden education is where students gain opinions surrounding ethics by observing conversations, and absorbing campus culture.
How can universities teach ethics better?
To improve formal education, universities can provide courses in ethics, or integrate discussion about ethics into the existing curriculum. Universities can additionally create a campus wide discussion surrounding ethical practices in research to target informal education. Finally, universities need to create an environment where researchers feel safe to voice their concerns surrounding the ethics of their research, this will improve students hidden education.
Key considerations:
- Why do you deserve public trust?
- How will your research benefit society?
- What are the potential risks your research could pose to society?
- How might someone misuse your technology?
- Are you following all regulations regarding your study?
- Are you presenting your findings clearly and in a reproducible way?
Recommendations for Research Projects
- Clearly present data and methods
- Research has social value
- Follow regulations
- Assess risks associated with research
- Provide a safe space for concerns about research