Clinical and Translational Research Ethics Consultation (ClinTREC)

The goal of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) Clinical and Translational Research Ethics Program is to promote ethical conduct in research by:

  • Providing specialized research ethics consultation services to clinicians, investigators, research staff and specialists in regulatory affairs across all stages of the translational research process.
  • Coordinating educational activities related to the responsible conduct of clinical and translational research.
  • Conducting research examining the ethical and social values that influence how patients and the communities served by Mayo Clinic view the potential benefits and risks of research participation or data use.

An integral component of the research ethics program is the Clinical and Translational Research Ethics Consultation (ClinTREC) service. The ClinTREC service provides research teams with a dedicated space to explore and address ethical issues that arise throughout the research process, such as:

  • Design and protocol development. Ensuring that study design reflects respect for participants and communities.
  • Recruitment strategy. Considering fairness, inclusivity, and the potential for undue influence or exploitation.
  • External collaborations. Managing ethical challenges in cross-institutional, international or industry partnerships.
  • Research ethics. Weighing the benefits of scientific innovation against potential harm or misuse, particularly in research with a novel or atypical risk profile.
  • Mentorship and authorship. Navigating power dynamics, credit allocation and responsibilities in collaborative work.
  • Emerging technologies. Reflecting on fairness, accountability and unintended consequences introduced by novel methodologies or digital technologies.
  • Publication ethics. Addressing concerns about bias, transparency and disclosures.
  • Results dissemination. Reflecting on the ethical implications of how, when and to whom findings are communicated.

Working with researchers, the ClinTREC consultants support ethical reflection and decision-making and develop recommendations with consideration of institutional policies, national standards, ethical principles and scholarship.

Contact

To learn more or request a research ethics consultation, email the Research Ethics Consult team.