Yenepoya (Univ) holds 4-Day workshop on ethics in forensics

Mangaluru: The four-day workshop on “Capacity Building for Humanitarian Ethics in Forensic Investigation, Reporting, and Research Publication Dealing with Cadavers in the Indian Context” was a resounding success. Organized by the Forensic Anthropology Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, and Centre for Ethics at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), the event featured a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of humanitarian ethics for cadaver-related work.

On day One workshop began with 17 participants and five resource persons. The first day covered various critical aspects of humanitarian ethics, including biomedical ethics, ethical norms in disaster and research, and the impact of death on families and society. Participants engaged in interactive case study deliberations, gaining practical insights into ethical considerations.

The second day saw increased enthusiasm with 18 participants and seven resource persons. Topics included the humanitarian approach in research, ethical guidelines for research involving the deceased, CIOMS guidelines in the Indian context, ethical issues in research publication, ethics of health policy and law in humanitarian crises, and strategies for ethical management of biological samples and personal data. Interactive sessions allowed participants to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios.

The final day featured 18 participants and four resource persons, focusing on academic advocacy for respect for the dead in research, ethical challenges with unidentified dead bodies, research integrity, publication ethics, and a thought-provoking film viewing and reflecting.

Participants also engaged in discussions on ethical considerations and the need for common guidelines in research involving the use of the dead. The workshop addressed legal, ethical, and practical challenges, providing valuable insights and tools for ethical decision-making in their professional roles. The event served as a vital platform for building capacity in forensic ethics, contributing to the ethical advancement of the field of humanitarian forensics.

The final segment of the workshop included a valedictory session, feedbacks and a vote of thanks, recognizing the contributions of all the resource persons and participants. The workshop successfully equipped participants with a deeper understanding of humanitarian ethics in forensic work involving cadavers in the Indian context.