Characterization of research ethics committees’ members

Abstract

This is a quantitative and descriptive study with the objective of describing the participants of the Research Ethics Committees (CEP) of four Bahia State universities. Carried out with 25 key-informants, the obtained data indicated that CEP participants (full members, coordinators and secretaries) are predominantly of female gender (60%), with degrees in various areas, being Biological Science the most cited one, (16%), with 30 or more years of professional training (27,3%) and with doctors degree (44%). Among those who perform the position of full members, only 60% have participated of an event/course about Research Ethics. Considering that the training of CEP members is crucial for proper development of the committee activities, the study concluded that educational activities at the studied CEP are necessary, such as continued training programs, that require greater institutional support and investment for implementation, development and consolidation.