To better equip the university faculty researchers on the practice and understanding of research ethics, the BSU Research and Extension Sector held a two-day trainig and workshop on research Ethics on April 18-19, 2024.

On the first day, five of the invited speakers simultaneously delivered their presentations. Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) member Eleanor D. Cuarte presented a walkthrough on the history of research ethics. This includes the inhumane conduct of experiments and research on humans during the war and evolution of policies, laws, and guidelines that resulted from these.

This was followed by Marina I. Sagandoy, another member of CRHRDC who gave an overview of the general elements of research ethics which are social values, justice, and transparency among others. During the open forum, the issues of moral dilemmas in different contexts of conducting research were also deliberated. CRHRDC member Pelin P. Belino then talked about the responsibility of the research adviser, researchers, and the institution as part if ensuring the quality of research works. In line with this, BSU Research Ethics Committee Chair (BSU-REC) Florence V. Poltic gave an overview of the university's standard operating procedures, guidelines for conducting reserach, and the ethics review process among others.

Finally, BSU-REC Co-Chair Ruth S. Batani discussed the ethical guidelines for social research; research involving indigenous peoples; and herbal research and environmental healtjh research. Throughout her presentation, the question of whether controversial issues should be studied was rounded. According to her, no scientific inquiry should be suppressed but it must be sensitive to the scientific, ethical, and political implications. 

On the last day, College of Nursing (CN) faculty member Jude L. tayaben specified the ethical guidelines for both research in traditional and alternative health care and on health policy systems research. Following this, College of Social Sciences (CSS) faculty member Agnes Kryza H. Sito also talked about the ethical guidelines for research in mental health and those involving minors or children. 

The final presentation on ethical guidelines for collaborative research, authorship, and publication was then given by the Research and Extension Publicaiton Office (REPO) Director Cheryll C. Launio.

The VP for Research Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres shared his enthusiasm for the organized activity and challenged the university researchers to put into practice all the presentations and discourses. 

To end the training workshop, the Office of Extension Services (OES) Driector Anna Cris L. Langaoan closed the activity a commendation saying, "This is a testament to our commitment to continuous self-improvement...at some point, we might have found ourselves in moments of discomfort. So, for those who have found themselves in moments of discomfort, that is a good sign. Meaning we are still capable of recognizing that there are shortcomings we have along the way in the conduct of research."//CANapiloy