Practices and voices shaping research ethics and scientific integrity in translational research in Colombia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Due to its rapid expansion, translational research has become a strategic priority in biomedical studies, while simultaneously introducing complex ethical and integrity-related challenges that extend beyond traditional bioethical frameworks. These challenges, particularly salient in emerging research contexts, such as Colombia, underscore the need to strengthen research ethics and scientific integrity to ensure responsible and socially accountable scientific practice. This study aims to analyze the conditions and potential needs related to research ethics and scientific integrity in the implementation of translational research in Colombia. Methods: This qualitative study used focus groups with research teams recruited via a nationwide call and applied thematic analysis to interpret participants’ experiences. Results: The analysis resulted in three main themes: regulatory frameworks for research ethics and scientific integrity, ethics-related needs and practices, and scientific integrity needs and practices. These themes gave rise to ten analytic codes, highlighting key issues, such as risk management, informed consent, and incidental findings in the context of translational research. Conclusions: The normative analysis identified key gaps that constrain the ethical implementation of translational research, including difficulties in understanding ethics beyond a strictly legal domain, a lack of clarity regarding scientists’ ethical responsibilities, and the reduction of ethical reflection to a discrete evaluative stage within research projects. These findings support the need for recommendations and targeted action, particularly ethics education focused on deliberation and the meaningful use of ethical concepts.