The number and size of existing research studies with massive databases and biosample repositories that could be leveraged for public health response against SARS-CoV-2 (or other infectious disease pathogens) are unparalleled in history. What risks are posed by coopting research infrastructure—not just data and samples but also participant recruitment and contact networks, communications, and coordination functions—for public health activities? The case of the Seattle Flu Study highlights the general challenges associated with utilizing research infrastructure for public health response, including the legal and ethical considerations for research data use, the return of the results of public health activities relying upon research resources to unwitting research participants, and the possible impacts of public health reporting mandates on future research participation. While research, including public health research, is essential during a pandemic, careful consideration should be given to distinguishing and balancing the ethical mandates of public health activities against the existing ethical responsibilities of biomedical researchers.

中文翻译：

---

大流行中的研究伦理：考虑将研究基础设施和资源用于公共卫生活动。

具有大规模数据库和生物样本存储库的现有研究的数量和规模，可用于对SARS-CoV-2（或其他传染病病原体）进行公共卫生应对，在历史上是史无前例的。对于公共卫生活动而言，采用研究基础设施（不仅是数据和样本，还包括参与者招募和联系网络，通讯和协调功能）会带来什么风险？西雅图流感研究的案例突显了与利用研究基础设施进行公共卫生应对相关的一般挑战，包括研究数据使用的法律和道德考虑，依赖研究资源的公共卫生活动结果的回报，使研究参与者不知情，以及公共卫生报告规定对未来研究参与的可能影响。尽管在大流行期间必须进行包括公共卫生研究在内的研究，但应仔细考虑，以区分和平衡公共卫生活动的道德要求与生物医学研究人员现有的道德责任。