Biomedical Research Ethics and the Scientific Method

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought biomedical research to the forefront of conversation. From vaccine and drug development to “gain of function” research and more, questions about biomedical ethics have become dinner table conversations. But to adequately engage in a discussion on ethical best practices of biomedical research and therapeutic development, it’s important to understand exactly what the “scientific method” entails. What safeguards are in place to prevent unintentional errors or fraud? How does the scientific community think about these questions?

Join Hassane Mchaourab, Ph.D., as he explores these topics in a Lab-to-Table Conversation from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Mchaourab, the Louise B. McGavock Chair of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, is passionate about scientific integrity and regularly presents to trainees and peers about responsible conduct in research.

The event features panelists:

·         Ellen Wright Clayton, J.D., M.D. - Craig-Weaver Professor of Pediatrics, professor of law and health policy, co-founder of the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, and international expert in law and genomics.

·         Mark Denison, M.D. - Edward Claiborne Stahlman Professor in Pediatrics, director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, and expert in coronaviruses.

·         Matthew Schrag, M.D., Ph.D. – Assistant professor of neurology and director of the Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Clinic; recently found signs
of data fabrication in major Alzheimer’s scientific articles.