Which ethical principle focuses on the obligation to maximize benefits and minimize harms in research?

The ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to maximize benefits and minimize harms in research is beneficence. This principle is central to the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects, highlighting the responsibility of researchers to prioritize the well-being of participants. By adhering to beneficence, researchers aim to conduct studies that produce positive outcomes while also ensuring that any potential risks are carefully considered and mitigated.

In the context of research, beneficence requires a careful evaluation of the balance between the anticipated benefits of the study (for example, advances in scientific knowledge or improved interventions) and the risks that participants may face. It underscores the importance of striving for positive impacts through research while minimizing any adverse effects on participants.

Thus, beneficence is a foundational ethical principle that guides researchers in their decision-making processes, ensuring that scientific inquiry is conducted with the utmost concern for the welfare of those involved.