The Global Code of Conduct for Research in Resource-Poor Settings, which aims to achieve fair partnerships in research, has been adopted by both the European Commission and the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). This means that any researcher applying for EU funding must demonstrate that they will abide by the code (see the recent Nature article on this development).
The code has been designed specifically to combat ‘ethics dumping' – the practice of exporting unethical research practices to lower-income settings. It provides guidance to researchers across all disciplines, and presents clear, short statements in simple language to achieve the highest possible level of accessibility.
Vulnerable research populations in low and middle income countries, in particular indigenous peoples from the Kalahari and sex workers from Nairobi, were represented throughout the drafting process, which is widely considered a major achievement.
FULL DETAILS OF THE CODE
