Dates: 29–30 November 2022
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Theme: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Global Health Research
Overview
The 16th GFBR Forum was convened in Cape Town to explore the ethical considerations arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in global health research. The Forum brought together 87 participants from 31 countries, including ethicists, health researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to engage in case study presentations, governance discussions, and group deliberations focused on AI ethics in health research contexts.
Objectives and Structure
Participants were selected through an open application process that encouraged representation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as diverse expertise in bioethics, AI, and health research. The meeting was structured around thematic sessions grounded in practical experience with AI tools and governance frameworks.
Key Themes Discussed
The Forum’s programme centred on five broad thematic areas:
- Emerging Issues in Research Methodology: Discussions addressed methodological challenges linked to AI integration in health research, emphasizing the importance of contextual data and research design.
- Local Context and Engagement: Presentations highlighted the necessity of community involvement, power dynamics, cultural considerations, and stakeholder engagement when deploying AI tools in diverse settings.
- Collaborative Initiatives and Data Resources: Sessions showcased collaborative initiatives and data resources designed to support ethical AI health research, including questions of data sharing, trustworthiness, and transferability across contexts.
- Regulation of Data for Health Research Involving AI: Ethical and regulatory challenges related to data governance and cross-border data transfer were explored, especially in relation to LMIC legal frameworks and international norms.
- Research Ethics Frameworks and Ethics Review: The Forum examined how existing research ethics frameworks and review processes can adapt to AI-related ethical questions, highlighting gaps in capacity and the need for appropriate oversight structures.
Programme Highlights
The meeting featured a blend of keynote talks, Pecha Kucha case presentations, and small-group discussions. Topics ranged from ethical concerns in AI patient safety research to governance frameworks for responsible AI deployment in healthcare. The comprehensive 2022 GFBR programme booklet outlined a detailed agenda of presentations and discussions over both days.
Outcomes and Reflections
The Forum reinforced that while AI holds significant promise for enhancing global health research — particularly in settings with resource constraints — it also raises complex ethical issues. These include fairness, bias, accountability, engagement with local communities, and the legitimacy of governance mechanisms adapted to rapidly evolving technologies. The discourse highlighted the importance of developing contextually grounded ethical frameworks and strengthening research ethics capacity to meet emerging challenges in global health AI research.
