The Declaration of Helsinki is a foundational document in medical research ethics that provides ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human subjects. It was first adopted in 1964 by the World Medical Association (WMA) and has since undergone multiple revisions, with the most recent version published in 2013. The Declaration of Helsinki is widely recognized as an influential international standard for ethical conduct in medical research. Here are key aspects of the Declaration of Helsinki: Respect for Individuals: The Declaration emphasizes the importance of respect for the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of individuals participating in research. It states that the interests of the research subjects should always take precedence over the interests of science and society. Informed Consent: Informed consent is a fundamental principle in the Declaration. It requires researchers to provide potential participants with adequate information about the study, its risks and benefits, and any alternative treatment options. Participants must have the capacity to make voluntary decisions and give their informed consent without coercion or undue influence. Risk-Benefit Assessment: The Declaration stresses the need for a thorough assessment of potential risks and benefits associated with research participation. The potential risks should be minimized and justified by the potential benefits to the individual or society. The research protocol should be based on sound scientific rationale and adhere to ethical principles. Ethical Review: The Declaration emphasizes the importance of independent ethical review of research protocols by an appropriately constituted research ethics committee (REC). The REC's responsibility is to ensure that the proposed research meets ethical standards, protects the rights and welfare of participants, and complies with relevant regulations. Privacy and Confidentiality: The Declaration highlights the importance of respecting participants' privacy and confidentiality. It emphasizes that identifying information should be protected, and participants' data should be handled in a way that ensures confidentiality, unless informed consent has been obtained for the release of identifiable information. Vulnerable Populations: The Declaration pays special attention to the protection of vulnerable populations, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, and mentally incapacitated individuals. It states that additional safeguards should be in place to protect their rights and welfare, and their involvement in research should be justified by the potential benefits to them or their population. Post-Trial Access: The Declaration emphasizes that participants who have completed their participation in a research study should be provided with access to the best available care or intervention identified during the study, if it is appropriate and beneficial to their health.