Training Program in Research Ethics in the Americas

1. Project Summary This Training Program in Research Ethics in the Americas provides in-depth education in ethics for researchers in biomedical and social science, members of research ethics committees, and educators working in related fields. The program began as a collaboration between Albert Einstein College of Medicine (USA) and the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is now held in its entirety at FLACSO. The program addresses the current situation in the region, selecting new trainees from areas where leaders in research ethics are needed. At the same time, former trainees can participate in the activities of the current program. The program for new trainees includes both practical and theoretical educational activities, beginning with a three-month stay in Buenos Aires and continues with online coursework that culminates in a master's degree. Among the experiential learning activities, the program offers ongoing mentoring focused on writing skills and critical thinking, as well as meetings with local scientists engaged in research. Trainees have the opportunity to observe not only how research ethics committees and community advisory boards function, but also attend the National Research Ethics Advisory Committee's in-person meetings. The program includes mentoring plan for former trainees who have completed the program with the aim to expand their educational opportunities in the region and ensure sustainability.