Definitions of Research Compliance Terms

Belmont Report – A report issued by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research in 1979. The report describes some basic ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects participating in research. The three ethical principles discussed are: Respect for Persons, Beneficence and Justice.

Beneficence – An ethical principle discussed in the Belmont Report that entails an obligation to protect persons from harm. The principle of beneficence can be expressed in two general rules: (1) do not harm; and (2) protect from harm by maximizing possible benefits and minimizing possible risks of harm.

Benefit – A valued or desired outcome; an advantage.