title: Commentary.
abstract: When I facilitate sessions that explore ethical aspects of research, one of the first activities I ask group members to do is to consider the rights which they believe they should have as potential research participants. Very quickly, and without exception, they are able to identify a range of issues from the right to confidentiality, through to freedom from harm and the right to know why the research is being undertaken. Given that these issues can so easily be identified, it could be tempting to assume that all research would be conducted in an ethical manner. Unfortunately, history reveals many horror stories of actions carried out in the name of research. Even today, questionable aspects of research are brought to light. The focus on research ethics within this edition of Nurse Researcher is thus a timely reminder of the key issues that need to be addressed.
authors.affiliation: University of Glamorgan, UK.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Northway