Ethics committees are bodies established by universities, professional associations or countries to provide ethical and legal advice, control and oversight for researchers who are planning to carry out investigations involving living and deceased human subjects, identifiable human material or identifiable data. In the field of clinical research, it is standard practice to have reviews and approvals of such research projects carried out by the relevant local ethics committee. This ensures that the rights and safety of the subjects are protected in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Association of Medical Ethics Committees in Germany

“The Association(externer Link) standardises the work of the ethics committees, especially in decision-making and procedural matters. It offers continuing education on the work of medical ethics committees and promotes the exchange of ideas and experience both nationally and internationally. The Association also is involved in the concerns of medical ethics committees in public discourse.”