History and its relevance in the development and teaching of research ethics

The teaching of research ethics remains a challenge for educators in the field. The quest for innovative approaches continues in order to optimize the learning experience during the limited time available in medical school and science learning curricula. One important approach is that of the use of history in the teaching of research ethics. It is believed that discussion of where research in the past has strayed from the path of what we clearly today consider as ethical medical and/or scientific practice would optimize the possibility that such behaviour would never be repeated. While the Nazi medical experience is the prime example in modern times, others exist. The hope is that learning from the past influences the development of ethical sensitivity critical to the pursuit of research under optimal moral conditions, as well as improving ethical decision-making by health-care providers. Empirical research is encouraged in order to clarify whether this is in fact the case. With awareness of past mistakes, the practice of medical research must be applied with care and principled purpose to all.