Iranian Journal of

---

Background: The increased recognition of ethical problems has contributed to the resurgence of ethics in relation to health care, and to the emergence of medical ethics as a new collaborative discipline in the world. The growing trends in biomedical technologies have been associated with increasing discussions about ethical aspects of the new knowledge in different societies. Advances in genetics, stem cell research, and organ transplantation are some of the medical issues that have raised important ethical and social issues in different countries. Given the special attention that has been paid toward moral ethics in Islam, an emphasis on ethics has been also voiced by medical and religious professions in Iran. In the recent decade, great strides have been made in biomedical ethics, especially in the field of education, research, and legislation.
Methods: In this article, a brief history, and some of the activities in the field of medical ethics that are carried out have been reviewed.
Results & Conclusion: Establishment of the National Committee for Medical Research and Regional Committee of Ethics for Medical Research, and compiling the National codes of ethics in biomedical research are the main early activities carried out during 1990s. A comprehensive strategic plan for medical ethics in the national level has been introduced in 2002. After implementation of this plan, considerable activities are being carried out that most important related activities will be also reviewed in this paper.

---

Medicine and ethics have increasingly more links caused by considerable progresses in biotechnology in different fields of medical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The issue of research ethics is one of the most important subjects which have been emphasized by international and regional organizations, policy-makers, medical and religious professions, scientists and researchers in different countries in recent decade. It is widely understood that research ethics committees typically play an important role in evaluating the ethical aspects of medical research. A ‘Research Ethics Committee’ (REC) is defined as a multidisciplinary, independent, body charged with reviewing research involving human participants to ensure that their dignity, rights and welfare are protected. Research ethics committees protect the welfare and rights of participants involved in research through reviewing research proposals, monitoring the conduct of research and dealing with complaints that arise from research. This manuscript will introduce you to the concepts underlying research ethics committees worldwide and in Iran. This paper will begin with a brief history of research ethics, continues with a concise overview of ethics committee situation and responsibilities, and ends with an outline of the national activities. We hope the manuscript could enhance awareness of biomedical researchers about status and duties of research ethics committees and consequently strengthen the RECs in our country.