young ETHICS

Researchers at the University of Bristol are piloting a novel new way to introduce young people to the ethics of research practice – Research Ethics Committees for school students ('Young RECs').

Over two years, young people in three participating schools will be recruited to Young REC groups. They will be trained in decision-making, reasoning, information processing, evaluation and approaches to ethical dilemmas, and will then tackle actual scientific applications that have been submitted to adult panels. The deliberations of the Young Recs will also be fed back to the senior committees.

The idea is that students will gain a deeper appreciation of biomedical science, how it is carried out, and social and ethical issues associated with particular areas of research.

If the project is successful, it could be extended nationally, providing opportunities for young people across the UK to participate in a key aspect of the scientific research process. The project has been funded by an Engaging Science Society Award from the Wellcome Trust.