Research on the hierarchical supervision of national science and technology programs from the perspective of science and technology ethics / 中华医学科研管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:This paper analyzed the current situation and issues of ethical supervision of science and technology projects supported by central financial funds and proposed countermeasures to improve project management.Methods:Considering the practical management experience of a key special project during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, this article investigated ethical supervision issues in various stages including guideline preparation, review and approval, process management, and final acceptance, and proposed four levels of review for ethical oversight according to the characteristics of the research projects and the degree of ethical risks involved.Results:Firstly, lower-risk projects should still be reviewed by the Institutional Ethics Committee, and the project implementation unit should primarily assume responsibility for ethical supervision and follow-up on the review. Second, in addition to the review by the Institutional Ethics Committee, the Project Management Institution should strengthen ethical supervision and take risk control measures at different nodes for sensitive projects and higher ethical risk projects. Third, projects with large ethical controversies and high-risk projects should be reviewed by the National Science and Technology Ethics Committee and a public participation discussion mechanism for major ethical issues should be established. Finally, it is suggested to conduct prospective ethical studies for cutting-edge new technologies and new fields.Conclusions:In the process of managing science and technology program projects, strengthening ethical oversight in the management of science and technology projects should both standardize relevant scientific and technological research activities and not impede the growth of scientific and technological innovation. In view of the differences in ethical risks that may be involved in different projects, hierarchical examination, and supervision measures should be taken to effectively guarantee the smooth implementation of science and technology planning projects.