Fostering Ethical Research: Basic Research Ethics Training at Lyceum-Northwestern University and DTRC Dagupan
May 14-15, 2025
A two-day Basic Research Ethics Training was held on May 14–15, 2025, at Lyceum-Northwestern University (L-NU) in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, in partnership with the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DTRC) Dagupan. The event aimed to strengthen the ethical foundation of researchers by enhancing their understanding of core ethical principles in research involving human participants. Facilitated by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) – CIDTA Secretariat, and with PHREB trainers the training was attended by faculty members, healthcare professionals, and research practitioners from both institutions. Participants were equipped with the knowledge to identify and apply general research ethical principles, ensuring that their studies are scientifically and ethically sound, for the benefit of humanity, and aligned with the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for persons, and justice. Gender and cultural sensitivity, third-party considerations, and the role of an ethical researcher were also emphasized, along with the importance of obtaining approval from a Research Ethics Committee (REC).
Prior to the training, participants were tasked with a pre-training assignment involving the review of group protocols, setting the stage for deeper discussions during the sessions. The first day began with opening remarks from institutional representatives and the PHREB-CIDTA Secretariat, followed by a training orientation led by Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang. Dr. Jhoan T. Galano delivered the session on Ethics and Research, which was complemented by an interactive discussion on unethical research incidents. Mr. Ariel C. Bacani facilitated the session on defining research ethics principles, followed by small group work where participants applied these concepts. Afternoon sessions covered topics such as assessing the risk-benefit ratio, informed consent preparation, and the fair selection of research participants. The day concluded with a summary, evaluation, and the assignment of a protocol assessment form for further review.
On the second day, participants began with assignment presentations and a review of ethical issues identified in their protocols. Mr. Bacani discussed strategies for protecting vulnerable populations in research, followed by a small group activity. Sessions on current ethical issues, researcher qualifications, and international and national research guidelines further deepened participants’ understanding. In the afternoon, Dr. Galano discussed the functions and responsibilities of Research Ethics Committees, while Mr. Bacani guided participants through the ethics review process. The training concluded with an open forum where remaining concerns were addressed, and key insights were summarized. The event marked a significant step toward promoting a culture of ethical research at L-NU and DTRC Dagupan, underscoring both institutions’ commitment to conducting responsible and humane scientific inquiry.