Ethical research

In late 2021, I was privileged to become the first rabbi appointed to the Human Research Ethics Committee at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Earlier this year, I was again honoured to be appointed the first rabbi to the Human Research Ethics Committee at Deakin University.

When I started in these positions, human research and the role of ethics committees was new to me. But after having been involved in this area of work for well over a year now, I can attest to the enormous contribution researchers make to society.

Indeed, human research is a fascinating science, which has brought tremendous benefit to humanity over decades. It has enabled doctors and scientists to increase overall life expectancy and to reduce pain and suffering among people experiencing severe illness.

Still, like many advancements in the 21st century, human research has its risks. If unmanaged, the dangers associated with research and experimentation on us can outweigh the benefits. This is especially true if those carrying out such research lack a moral compass.

Notorious examples include the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, conducted on African American men between 1932 and 1972 by the US government. In this “research”, 399 men diagnosed with syphilis were not offered penicillin even after the drug became widely available. That was so the researchers could continue a longitudinal study into these men’s disease. Provision of penicillin could have saved many of the participants’ lives. After this injustice became public, then US President Bill Clinton issued a public apology on behalf of the American people. with seniors and spend time together. The simple act of sitting down and chatting over a cup of tea can make a significant difference to someone's life. Listening to seniors can be incredibly inspiring and uplifting. By engaging with them, we show that we value and respect their contributions.

I also visit Arcare Caulfield each Friday afternoon to share the spirit of Shabbat with the residents. Recently, I asked our Chazzan Dov Farkas and our Chevra choir to join me. They sang songs from the Kabbalat Shabbat service and other classic Jewish songs, and the seniors started to sing along. The atmosphere was tremendous. Everyone had a great time. There are many ways to engage with the elderly in our community. We can visit them in aged-care, volunteer at events or programs geared to seniors, or just stop by for a quick chat. checks and balances for human study.

You might be surprised at how eager they can be to learn new skills, but they may not know where to start. Consider offering to teach them how to use a computer, smart phone or tablet.

If they are up for it, you could also provide instruction in cooking, painting or crafts. Why not share a hobby you enjoy? Whether it's playing a musical instrument, knitting, or gardening, it can be a fun way to spend time together and learn from each other. Many seniors may find it difficult to get out and about, especially if they no longer drive. Offer to give them a ride to the grocery store, our Shmoozeday, doctors’ appointments or other errands.

The impact of these small acts of kindness can be immense. They can help bring joy and happiness to those who may feel isolated and alone. It is important to reiterate that connecting with seniors is a two-way street.

While we may be giving them our time and attention, we can also learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights. By taking the time to connect with them, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities and honour the wisdom and contributions of our elders.

In Australia, it is against the law to conduct a research project involving humans until approval is sought from and obtained by a registered Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). HRECs must be comprised of medical professionals, qualified researchers, legal practitioners, lay people and pastoral carers. My appointments to both the Children’s Hospital and Deakin University HRECs are within the pastoral carer division.

Our role is to review all research applications to ensure they are meritorious and beneficial, risks are mitigated, participants are respected and the process followed has integrity and is just. These values and criteria are explained in the government’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Failure to achieve any of these values results in rejection of a research project.

The Jewish community does not need to look past World War II and the shocking mistreatment of Jews and other victims of Nazi brutality to understand the evil abyss to which humanity can descend in the name of so-called “research”.

Joseph Mengele perpetrated inhumane tests on innocent people, earning him the notorious nickname “the Angel of Death”. It was shortly after the war that many countries began legislating ethical

On a personal note, the values and morals espoused in the Torah have also guided me in my approach to reviewing research projects. So much of Judaism is centred around the core belief that all humans are created in G-d’s image and deserve to be treated with respect.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside my fellow committee members, particularly those from other faith communities within the pastoral care division. I look forward to continuing to contribute to this important area of work.