Twenty-five years after publication, the Belmont Report and the principles it espoused remain the most influential events in biomedical research worldwide. These retrospective reflections, by participants in the report’s formulations, offer frank and updated insights into the genesis and evolution of the report—and especially of its three famous principles. Given today’s renewed scrutiny of human subject research, these essays will interest clinical investigators, policymakers, legislators and the general public.

There can be little doubt that the 1979 Belmont Report was a key document in the development of national policy on human subject research. Its history and its importance are too little known. This book, a splendid and probing collection about the Report, is an important study, readable and interesting. Human subject research remains a difficult and contentious area. This book helps to show why, and will help to bring greater light to the ongoing debate.

"There can be little doubt that the 1979 Belmont Report was a key document in the development of national policy on human subject research. Its history and its importance are too little known. This book, a splendid and probing collection about the Report, is an important study, readable and interesting. Human subject research remains a difficult and contentious area. This book helps to show why, and will help to bring greater light to the ongoing debate."—Daniel Callahan, director of international programs, The Hastings Center

"Twenty-five years after publication, the Belmont Report and the principles it espoused remain the most influential events in biomedical research worldwide. These retrospective reflections, by participants in the report's formulations, offer frank and updated insights into the genesis and evolution of the report—and especially of its three famous principles. Given today's renewed scrutiny of human subject research, these essays will interest clinical investigators, policymakers, legislators and the general public."—Edmund D. Pellegrino, MD, Chair, President's Council on Bioethics, 2005-2009, and professor emeritus of medicine and medical ethics, Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University Medical Center