The research program aims to produce world-class research in
children's bioethics through the establishment of a sound
evidence-base for ethical decision-making and rigorous, systematic
and theory based ethical analysis.
Specific areas of interest and activity
Specific areas of interest and activity in paediatric ethics
research include:
- Clinical issues such as informed
consent and end-of-life decision-making including withdrawal
and withholding of treatment
- Genetics such as pre-natal
screening and diagnosis, predictive genetic testing in children and
young people, genetic counselling and informed
decision-making
- Consent such as consent to
children's participation in research, competence, opt-out consent,
and children's assent
- Public Health such as vaccination,
drug and alcohol service provision
- Behavioural disorders such as management of
ADHD and other behavioural disorders and use of psychotropic
therapies
Understanding Consent in Research Involving Children
This project was funded by the Alfred
Felton Bequest.
This project investigates consent in research
involving children. Parental consent is the ethical cornerstone of
research involving children, but the concept of 'consent', both of
the parent and the child, is not as well understood as it could be.
This can lead to a problematic lack of clarity of the ethical role
of and requirements for consent in some situations. This project
aims to address this problem.
The central aims of the project are to:
- Develop greater theoretical clarity of the
concept of consent in research involving children
- Encourage clearer thinking by researchers and
HRECs about consent in research involving children
- Produce an educational resource for
researchers and HRECs.
- Develop an information brochure for parents
to assist them in deciding about their child's involvement in
research.
Fore more information: https://www.mcri.edu.au/research/projects/consent-research
Future projects
Potential research
projects are identified and summarised, including
proposed funding requirements and timelines.