Medical Research Council (MRC) units in The Gambia and Uganda carry out vital research into diseases of major impact in the developing world, underpinned by work in our units and universities in the UK. MRC produces good practice guidance for researchers working in this area, and also works with partners in Africa and Europe on solutions to ethical questions that can arise when conducting research in developing countries.
MRC guidance for researchers
Research in a global setting
Ethical principles and guidance provided by the UKRI good research resource hub for researchers carrying out studies in lower and middle income countries, with a selection of essential key sources for further reading.
MRC policy on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people infected with HIV
MRC developed this advice after being approached by researchers in The Gambia and Uganda. It addresses standards of care and ethical values in research on AIDS in developing countries, and also covers clinical management of patients who develop AIDS during the course of research programmes investigating other diseases.
China UK Research Ethics (CURE) committee report
The capacity for medical research in China is developing rapidly. It is crucial that any such collaborations between the UK and China work to agree the appropriate standards of research ethics and governance.
China UK Research Ethics (CURE) committee report.
Last updated: 26 February 2026