Worries about "bad" downstream interpretations or applications of research are not new. It has always been the case that someone could use research findings for bad ends, intentionally or not. So why worry about downstream harms with AI research? Isn’t this just AI research exceptionalism? Read more
When we talk about AI research, we are mainly talking about research that seeks to develop tools that will replace human decision-making. The development of AI typically involves the collection and use of huge amounts of data to train an algorithm to make decisions or predictions within some domain. While there may be risks to people whose data are included in the large data sets used to train algorithms, the most salient and serious risk of harm in AI research is to those on whom the AI is applied in the real world. Read more
Some of the most significant changes in the revised Common Rule involve the provisions around informed consent, including the new requirement that informed consent begin with a “concise and focused presentation of key information that is most likely to assist a prospective subject or legally authorized representative in understanding the reasons why one might or might not want to participate in the research” [46.116(a)(5)(i)]—the “key information requirement,” for short. I welcome the key information requirement and think it has the potential to greatly improve informed consent, but it is bringing with it several complexities. Read more
The last few years have seen a growing call across the research enterprise to increase transparency around animal research—why we do it, why it’s important, and what it has accomplished. I also wonder whether there is another layer of transparency we ought to be promoting—namely, transparency about the ethical dimensions of animal research and its oversight. Specifically, how might being more open about the ethical issues and questions that are part of the day-to-day work of those involved in animal research serve our collective goals of educating and engaging the public; increasing their understanding, trust, and support for the animal research enterprise; and reframing the public conversation? Read more
Despite the partial government shutdown, it’s business as usual at the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), and the revised Common Rule will go into effect, as planned, less than a week from today, on January 21, 2019. Last week, OHRP released a new draft guidance titled, “The Revised Common Rule Compliance Dates and Transition Provision (45 CFR 46.101(l))." Though it’s coming about six months later than would have been ideal, this is the most useful guidance related to the revised Rule released to date. Read more
