Human research ethics committees: their relevance in Colombia today

The experience at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá

Abstract

This article reviews the historical background that led to the appearance of Human Research Ethics Committees the world, their ethical foundations, the main international regulations, and the ones existing in Colombia. Framed in this context and its relevance today, an account is presented of the creation, development, and activities of the Committee of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. This committee, created in 1983, has held office for 25 years with the ongoing pursuit of excellence in all activities aimed at protecting the dignity, rights, and welfare of subjects participating in biomedical and social research