The institutionalisation of research ethics committees in Europe: ethical stakes of organisational choices

Abstract

Research ethics committees are a system which is under permanent construction. This article examines some aspects of the organisation of these committees in various European countries to reveal the ethical stakes underlying these organisational choices. The following questions are envisaged with this in mind: the arrangements for public recognition of the committees, the different ways they develop – regionally or locally – their composition and the conceptions of ethics which are implemented. European diversity combined with the political and institutional culture of each country constitutes a stimulating source of information to progress in the setting up of committees which will be attentive to the various dimensions of the protocols for research involving humans.