What is the main goal of the Belmont Report in the context of research ethics?

The Belmont Report primarily aims to outline protection for human subjects involved in research. This foundational document, developed in response to unethical research practices, emphasizes the ethical principles that must be observed to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research studies.

It articulates three core principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. These principles guide researchers in ensuring informed consent, minimizing harm, and fairly distributing the benefits and burdens of research. By focusing on the protection of human subjects, the Belmont Report has established a framework that is integral to ensuring ethical standards in the conduct of research involving human participants, thereby promoting integrity and public trust in research practices.