Track: Legal and Ethical Issues in Clinical Research

Legal and Ethical Issues in Clinical Research

This session focuses on the legal and ethical complexities of clinical research involving vulnerable groups, with particular attention to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It underscores the importance of protecting participant dignity, autonomy, and fundamental rights, while fostering inclusive and fair research practices. The discussion will cover ethical requirements related to informed consent and assent, strengthened safeguards for participant protection, and rights-based frameworks that enable meaningful engagement in research. In addition, the session will examine the relevance of international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and consider their impact on research planning, ethical review, and implementation processes.