This document discusses research ethics and outlines key concepts in the field. It describes how researchers were not properly considering subjects' interests, leading to problems like lack of informed consent. In response, the US government established regulations and the Institutional Review Board system to oversee research ethics. The Belmont Report identified core ethics principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Researchers must apply these principles, get informed consent, minimize risks and select subjects fairly. The roles of the IRB, OHRP and FDA in enforcing research ethics standards are also summarized.