Code of responsible conduct for the field of organoids and organoid�related technologies

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What is this about?

The HYBRIDA Code of Responsible Conduct is part of a broader project that addresses the ethical, legal, and social challenges arising from research using organoids (mini-organs grown in labs). Organoids bring unique ethical questions because they challenge traditional categories: are they more like objects, animals, or human participants? The Code provides guidance for researchers in academia and industry to navigate these uncertainties responsibly. It is built on philosophical, legal, and stakeholder analyses, and includes engagement with the public, vulnerable groups, and regulatory bodies. The document clarifies the moral and ontological status of different types of organoids (e.g. neural, embryo models), identifies gaps in existing regulation and ethics frameworks, and proposes concrete rules and norms to ensure integrity, respect, and transparency in organoid-based research. The Code is intended to complement existing European research integrity regulations (like the ALLEA Code of Conduct), making them more applicable to new biotechnologies.

Why is this important?

The Code is important because organoid research is advancing rapidly, but laws, regulations, and ethical frameworks have lagged behind. Without clear guidelines, researchers might inadvertently cross moral, legal, or societal boundaries, raising public concern and potentially undermining trust. The Code helps ensure that organoid development proceeds with accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity. It supports ethics committees, institutions, and researchers in making better decisions about consent, usage, safety, and public engagement. Moreover, by defining responsible conduct, it contributes to harmonising practices across countries and institutions, which is vital in collaborative scientific research. Ultimately, it helps protect participants, donors, researchers, and society, while enabling innovation in a safer and more ethically informed manner.

For whom is this important?

Researchers and ScientistsEthics Committees and Research InstitutionsPolicy makersIndustry and Biotech CompaniesFunding agencies

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