Interpretation of the ethical requirements set forth by the 2024 Declaration of Helsinki: a researcher perspective

This paper discussed the major updates of the 2024 revision of the Declaration of Helsinki-Ethical Principles for Medical Research involving Human Participants from the investigator perspective. Ethical requirements regarding the "risks, burdens and benefits", "vulnerability of individuals, groups and communities", "scientific requirements and research protocols", "Research ethics committees", "free and informed consent" were interpreted, and discussed with identified concerns and challenges. It is emphasized that researchers must assure compliance with ethical requirements and norms throughout the whole process of research, including the topic selection, research participants selection, research implementation process, data analysis, and results reporting. At the same time, researchers must cultivate their ethical literacy, develop partnerships with various stakeholders, and finally assure the responsible conduct of medical research involving human participants.