Comités de ética en investigación con seres humanos: relevancia actual en Colombia

This article reviews the historical background that led to the appearance of Human Research Ethics Committees the world, their ethical foundations, the main international regulations, and the ones existing in Colombia. Framed in this context and its relevance today, an account is presented of the creation, development, and activities of the Committee of the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota. This committee, created in 1983, has held office for 25 years with the ongoing pursuit of excellence in all activities aimed at protecting the dignity, rights, and welfare of subjects participating in biomedical and social research (Acta Med Colomb 2011; 36: 98-104).