Building Up A Research Ethics System 23313.3 Building up a Research Ethics System
The research ethics system was established to support academics in
conducting research in a manner that properly protects the rights of
human subjects. It is based on relevant laws and ethical frameworks,
following which a policy, guidelines and procedures were formulated.
The system also involves an institutional committee established to assess
ethical issues in the research projects of academics, and enhance
academics’ awareness of, and familiarity with, the ethical requirements.
13.3.1 Formulation of Policy, Guidelines and Procedures
To support ethical practices in research activities, a policy,
guidelines and procedures were formulated with reference to frequently
adopted ethical frameworks. For example, the World Medical
Association’s Declaration of Helsinki (1964) and the Belmont Report
(1979) of the United States’ National Commission for the Protection of
Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioural Research provide the
underlying ethical principles for research involving human participants
or identifiable human materials and data, such as respect for
participants, beneficence, justice and informed consent. Despite the fact
that the suitability of these frameworks has been raised for research in a
digital age (e.g. Aicardi et al., 2016; Pritts, 2008), the ethical principles
underlying the frameworks remain the foundation of many
contemporary research ethics codes and regulations around the globe
(McGinn, 2015).
The research ethics policy formulated should also adhere to the legal
system of the country in question. For example, in Hong Kong, the
confidentiality of research and personal data related to participants must
be maintained at all times, as governed by the Personal Data (Privacy)
Ordinance of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data,