ข่าวเด่น

The College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, organized a workshop titled “Ethical Principles for Research Involving Humans (HSP: Human Subject Protection)” on March 16, 2026, at the Pattarathammaporn Chamber, Walailak University Hospital.

The English-language workshop brought together around 70 participants, including researchers, lecturers, and graduate students from Thailand and overseas. The program aimed to enhance understanding of ethical standards in research involving human participants and to promote responsible research practices in accordance with international guidelines.

Associate Prof. Dr. Phongpichit Channuie, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, emphasized the global importance of research ethics and the need for researchers to understand ethical principles when conducting studies involving humans.

“Ethics in research is not only a concern in Thailand but also an international issue. Whenever research involves human participants - or even animals - researchers must understand ethical principles. Without this knowledge, research may be conducted in the wrong direction and could have negative impacts on both the researchers and the research community,” he said.

He explained that the workshop was organized to provide training on research ethics for students, university personnel, and external participants. The event marked the second time the training has been organized, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to promoting ethical research practices.



The workshop featured Associate Prof. Dr. Supaporn Sudnongbua from the Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, who served as the guest speaker. Drawing on her experience as a former member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Naresuan University, as well as her international experience and role as a member of the editorial board of a Scopus-indexed international journal, she provided in-depth insights into ethical considerations in research involving human participants.

During the session, Dr. Supaporn introduced the three fundamental principles of research ethics—respect for persons, beneficence, and justice—which serve as key guidelines for protecting human participants and ensuring fairness in research. 

Dr. Supaporn emphasized that research ethics is a universal concern and a critical component of responsible research.

“Ethics in human research is an international matter. Whenever research involves human participants, researchers must carefully consider ethical issues. One reason is that legal disputes can arise more easily today, but more importantly, researchers must ensure that participants are protected from risks associated with the research,” she explained.

She noted that many academic journals, both national and international, require researchers to obtain approval from an ethics committee before publishing research involving human subjects. This requirement helps ensure that participants’ rights, safety, and well-being are properly protected.

Dr. Supaporn also discussed potential risks that may arise in human subject research, particularly in social and behavioral sciences. These risks may include psychological, social, and economic impacts, such as emotional distress caused by sensitive questions, social stigma if personal information is disclosed, or even legal consequences if participants’ identities are not adequately protected.

“Researchers have the responsibility to minimize risks and ensure the confidentiality and safety of participants. If personal information is disclosed, it may lead to social stigma, job loss, or even family problems for participants,” she said.



Another key topic addressed during the workshop was informed consent, a fundamental ethical principle in human research.

“Informed consent serves as evidence that participants have voluntarily agreed to take part in the research after receiving clear information about the study. Researchers must never deceive or coerce individuals into participating. Participants should clearly understand that it is research and decide freely whether they wish to take part,” Dr. Supaporn explained.

She also highlighted that participants have the right to withdraw from research at any time without providing a reason and without losing any rights or benefits.

For graduate students beginning research involving human participants, Dr. Supaporn advised that the first step is to carefully evaluate potential risks and benefits when designing a research proposal. Researchers must assess what risks might occur and how those risks can be minimized, while clearly explaining the potential benefits of the research for participants or society.

Through expert lectures and interactive discussions, the workshop provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical guidance on conducting ethical research involving human participants. The initiative reflects Walailak University’s continued commitment to promoting high standards of research integrity and responsible research practices in the global academic community.





News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communications