The Belmont Report is a foundational document in the field of research ethics, published in 1979. It outlines key ethical principles and guidelines for conducting research involving human subjects. The report emphasizes three main principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, which aim to protect the rights and welfare of participants. These principles guide researchers and institutions in designing studies and obtaining informed consent. The Belmont Report has significantly influenced regulations and policies, including the establishment of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to oversee research practices and ensure ethical standards are maintained in studies involving human participants.