Abstract

Engaging in research—whether as a participant or as a research partner—takes time, and time is valuable. Beyond time, there may be actual costs or resources required for participation. Appropriate recognition and compensation of research participants (those persons who consent to participate in human research, which most typically carries a degree of risk that must be balanced by potential future benefit to themselves or others) and research partners (organizations or individuals who represent the interests of individual research participants who engage with research teams to design, conduct, analyze, and/or disseminate research) is ethically imperative. Compensation for research participation can minimize the financial burden of the commitment of time and other costs, which may disproportionately impact some potential participants and limit access to the benefits of research. The principle of justice also suggests that payments to participants should be equitable—across studies and for similar procedures. This chapter discusses ethical and regulatory considerations for appropriate compensation for both groups—research participants, and research partners, explores the factors impacting remuneration, and identifies emerging best practices.