Advancing Research Ethics in Asia and the Pacific Virtual Workshop – Nov 18-19, 2020

All times refer to Singapore Time (GMT + 8)

Program Description
Goals: This workshop is designed to enhance the knowledge of individuals involved in the conduct and review of important research that occurs in Asia and the Pacific Region.
Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, the attendee will be able to:
1. Discuss current controversies in research occurring in Asia and the Pacific Region
2. Analyze the ethical aspects of research that address inequities caused by Covid-19
3. Enhance ethical review of implementation research
4. Discuss research involving refugees and migrants
5. Discuss the importance of community engagement when developing research

Program Structure
Format for each session (except panel session on Day 2):
1. Speaker(s) presentation of the topic – 30-45 minutes
2. Break-out groups for participants to discuss a case study – 45-60 minutes
3. Re-convene large group to discuss groups’ responses – 30 minutes

Day 1
10:00 – Welcome to the Workshop:  Professor Henry Silverman

10:30-12:30 – Session 1:Ethics of research involving vulnerable populations with a focus on migrants, refugees and stateless persons: Migration in Asia has resulted in populations in unstable conditions facing difficulty accessing health, education and employment. Research in this area can be fraught with legal and political issues and involves diverse ethical considerations.

13:00-15:00 – Session 2: Ethics of conducting and reviewing research involving Covid-19: The Covid-19 pandemic has generated a multitude of studies investigating therapeutics as well as research involving the psycho-social behavioral effects on individuals.  This session will explore issues involving study designs during pandemics, crisis standards of care, use of placebos in control groups, and challenges when collecting data virtually.

15:30-16:30 –  ePosters 

Day 2
10:00-12:00 – Session 1
: Panel Discussion: Addressing health inequities through research in the time of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified health inequities in populations around the world. This session will focus on how research can address these inequities and the related ethical considerations of such research.

12:30-14:30 – Session 2Ethics of community engagement in implementation research:  Implementation research addresses the practical challenges in real world settings, by linking research and practice to accelerate the development and delivery of interventions. This session will explore the ethical challenges faced with such research.

15:00 – 16:00 – Network Meeting: Discussion of the formation of a regional network of research ethics committees – Dr. Khin Thet Wai (Myanmar) and Prof Henry Silverman

Contact Information
Please contact Henry Silverman or Veena Pillai with any questions regarding the workshop.