What is the significance of the Declaration of Helsinki?

The Declaration of Helsinki is significant because it provides ethical principles specifically designed to guide research involving human subjects. This foundational document, developed by the World Medical Association, emphasizes the importance of informed consent, the necessity of research to benefit society, and the obligation to prioritize the well-being of research participants. It establishes standards to protect human subjects from unethical practices and ensures that their rights and dignity are respected throughout the research process.

By outlining these ethical principles, the Declaration of Helsinki plays a critical role in shaping how human subject research is conducted globally. It serves as a cornerstone for ethical review boards and institutions conducting clinical trials, guiding researchers to conduct studies that uphold the highest ethical standards and promote trust in the research process.

Therefore, the focus on providing a robust ethical framework for the conduct of research with human participants makes this choice the correct answer within the context of clinical research ethics.