The Health Research Board and the National Office for Research Ethics Committees will jointly host a national conference on research ethics on 30 November 2023 at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin.

The event will take an in-depth look at how and why ethical considerations are embedded in the practices of health research. These discussions come at an important juncture in the evolution of the research ethics landscape both in Ireland and internationally – as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic into a research environment full of new ethical challenges in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, genetics and genomics, and how to best safeguard the rights of research participants. 

We are happy to say there has been great interest in the event; however, unfortunately this means we are currently at full capacity for the conference and new registrations will be processed through a waiting list system. Click here to join the waiting list and we will contact you should a space become available.

We will be announcing our first speakers in the coming weeks – check back here or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest updates.

This will be a full-day in-person event, beginning at 9am and ending at approx. 4pm. 

Preliminary programme outline

Session 1: Research ethics – where we’ve come from, where we’re going 

Our first session will set the scene with an overview of what research ethics is and how it has developed over time.

A keynote presenting the history of why and how ethics has become an essential component in research today will be followed by an exploration of present-day governance models: from our own system here in Ireland, to international examples of how ethics is built into research responses to global health challenges.

Session 2: Research ethics in action – inclusive research

In session 2 and 3, we will explore key debates and emerging issues in research ethics, and delve into the substance of how ethics is practised in real-world health and social care research.

Session 2 will focus on the ethics of inclusive research, beginning with a keynote on current debates in this area. Researchers and study participants will then share their experiences navigating ethical challenges in trials involving groups such as pregnant women or children, who can face specific challenges when it comes to being included in research.

Session 3: Research ethics in action – emerging technologies

Session 3 will begin with a keynote on the ethical challenges related to research in new technologies: from artificial intelligence, to connected healthcare, to big data.

We will then hear from researchers and patients/participants on their experience in real-world studies where emerging tech played a central role. Speakers will discuss what the future holds for unlocking the potential of new innovations, while respecting the dignity and well-being of research participants.

Register now to join us there. If you have any questions related to registration or the details of the conference, please contact the organising team at hrb@conferencepartners.com.