PROJECT SUMMARY
Peru’s science, technology, and innovation system has seen significant growth in the past decade, particularly in biomedical
research. However, the country’s approach to research ethics has not kept pace; Peru has few scholars in research ethics,
its research universities offer no graduate degree or specialty track in research ethics, and there is scant original ethics
research. A team of leaders in research and research training from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) Instituto
de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt (IMTAvH) in collaboration with experienced Peruvian social scientists and
internationally recognized research ethicists from Tulane University, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical School, and
University of Miami propose Research Ethics Training in latinAMericA (RETAMA). RETAMA is a program aimed to leverage
UPCH extensive experience in high-quality research in health sciences, along with our collaborators' international
experience in research ethics training, to expand the number of scientists trained in research ethics. We will establish a
high-impact, 18-month culturally-tailored master’s degree program in international research ethics and integrity. The
program will incorporate practicum experiences, research opportunities, and professional mentoring to provide two cohorts
of 13 Peruvian RETAMA fellows. with knowledge, skills, and insights to develop and sustain a career in research ethics.
We will also offer short-term options with specific educational needs in research ethics, including a 6–9-month certificate
program leveraging courses and activities from the master’s degree program that build key practical skills for IRB members
and chairs. Lastly, we will develop a comprehensive online course on responsible conduct of research, in Spanish,
accessible to all health science researchers in Peru and Latin America. Ultimately, we aim to increase the impact of high
quality and responsibly conducted research in health and health sciences, to positively impact the life and health of
populations.