The way in which research is conducted on an international scale and how it is regulated varies greatly. With such a large scope, understanding which of the following statements are true can be quite a challenge. To help, here is a breakdown of the regulations governing international research and what they mean.
U.S. Regulations Regarding International Research
The U.S. government is responsible for regulating research conducted both domestically and abroad. In the U.S., research that is federally funded is governed by the Common Rule, which states that all research involving human subjects must undergo an ethical review process. The U.S. government also has regulations that govern the use of animals in research and the protection of the environment.
When research is conducted abroad, the U.S. regulations may not always apply. In many cases, the researcher must adhere to the laws of the country in which they are conducting their research. However, the U.S. government may still have authority over the research depending on its scope or if the research is federally funded.
Other International Regulations
In addition to U.S. regulations, research conducted on an international scale is subject to regulations from the country of the research site. For example, the European Union has specific regulations that govern research in its member states. The Council of Europe also has a Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine that outlines principles for conducting ethical research.
Conclusion
Understanding which of the following statements is true regarding international research and U.S. regulations can be complex. In general, the U.S. government is responsible for regulating research conducted both domestically and abroad. However, depending on the scope and location of the research, additional regulations from international bodies, the research site’s government, or other stakeholders may be necessary.