This book focuses on experimentation that is carried out on human beings, including medical research, drug research and research undertaken in the social sciences. It discusses the ethics of such experimentation and asks the question: who defends the interests of these human subjects and ensures that they are not harmed? The author finds that ethical research depends on the adequacy of review by committee. Indeed most countries now rely on research ethics committees for the protection of the interests of the (...) human participants in research. Dr McNeill analyses how successful these committees are in balancing the interests of science with the interests of human subjects. (shrink)

My first two years as a community representative on a research ethics committee have given me a challenging, rewarding, and sometimes confusing acquaintance with the medical world. My role in reviewing research ethics protocols involves asking good questions and getting satisfactory answers. By bringing a different set of priorities and concerns to our meetings, I try to represent, advocate for, and guard the rights of potential study participants.