What does the Belmont principle of beneficence require from researchers?

The Belmont principle of beneficence emphasizes the obligation of researchers to maximize potential benefits and minimize potential harms to research participants. This principle requires that any potential benefits from the research must justify the risks of harm that may be involved. In practice, this means that researchers must carefully consider the ethics of their research design and assess whether the potential positive outcomes, such as advancements in knowledge or improvements in health, outweigh the risks participants might face, such as physical harm or psychological distress.

By ensuring that the benefits justify the risks, researchers uphold ethical standards that protect participant welfare. This consideration of balance is essential in research ethics, as it guides the design and implementation of research projects that involve human subjects.