What principle signifies that researchers have an obligation to do no harm?

The principle that signifies researchers have an obligation to do no harm is beneficence. This ethical principle is foundational in research and healthcare, emphasizing the responsibility of investigators to act in the best interests of participants and to promote their well-being. Beneficence compels researchers to maximize benefits and minimize potential risks during the study process. By adhering to this principle, researchers acknowledge the importance of protecting participants from harm, ensuring that the potential benefits of research outweigh any risks involved.

While respect for persons involves honoring the autonomy of participants and ensuring informed consent, and justice relates to fair distribution of research benefits and burdens, beneficence specifically focuses on the duty to avoid harm, which is a crucial aspect of ethical research practices. Phase 1 clinical trials, on the other hand, primarily pertain to the testing of new drugs for safety, and while they are related to the concept of minimization of risk, they are not a principle of ethics in and of themselves.