Research Ethics
Ethics Statement for Central Asian and Transcaucasian Genomics (CATG)
Central Asian and Transcaucasian Genomics (CATG) is committed to conducting its operations and research activities with the highest ethical standards. Our ethical principles guide our interactions with stakeholders, participants, and the global community. The following ethics statement outlines the core values that underpin CATG's commitment to ethical conduct.
Core Ethical Principles
1. Integrity and Transparency
CATG values integrity and transparency in all aspects of its operations. We are dedicated to openness and honesty in our communication, decision-making processes, and research practices.
2. Respect for Human Dignity
CATG upholds the inherent dignity and rights of every individual. We are committed to respecting the autonomy, privacy, and cultural diversity of all participants in our research studies and engaging with communities in a manner that recognizes and values their unique perspectives.
3. Privacy and Confidentiality
CATG prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected during research activities. We implement robust security measures to safeguard the data entrusted to us, ensuring that research findings are reported in aggregate and do not compromise the privacy of individual participants.
4. Equity and Inclusion
CATG is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion in genetic and genomic research. We strive to ensure that our studies are representative of diverse populations, minimizing disparities and addressing social, cultural, and economic factors that may impact access to genetic testing and research opportunities.
5. Scientific Rigor and Validity
CATG adheres to the highest standards of scientific rigor and validity in its research endeavors. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our findings contribute meaningfully to the understanding of genetic and neurodegenerative diseases, fostering advancements in healthcare for the benefit of Central Asian and Transcaucasian populations.
6. Collaboration and Partnerships
CATG recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve its mission. We engage with researchers, healthcare professionals, educational and non-profit organizations to establish a collaborative approach.
7. Informed Consent
CATG emphasizes the importance of informed consent in all research activities involving human participants. We ensure that participants are provided with comprehensive information about the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits of the research, allowing them to make informed decisions about their involvement.
8. Social Responsibility
CATG acknowledges its social responsibility as a global organization. We strive to contribute positively to the communities we serve, actively participating in initiatives that address societal challenges related to genetic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The research activities of CATG correspond to the UCL IRB approval of ethical conduct:
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UCL IRB, CI: Prof. Henry Houlden, Sponsor EDGE ID: 146653, REC Ref: IRAS: 310045 Protocol V1.1 22/06/2022 International Genetics Collaboration (IGC)
All participating centers obtained local IRB approvals.
Compliance and Oversight
CATG is committed to complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing genetic and genomic research. We establish oversight mechanisms, such as ethical review boards, to monitor and ensure the ethical conduct of our research activities.