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Personalizing Approaches in International Projects Engaging Individuals with Vulnerabilities: The Lessons Learned for
Stefania Chiappinotto1, Chiara Moreal1, Aysun Bayram2
1Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
Journal of Personalized Medicine
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Research involving vulnerable populations requires adaptive, context-specific ethical approaches. Defining and engaging participants in multi-country studies necessitates flexibility to ensure person-centered care and methodological rigor.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Ethics in Research
- International Health
Background:
- Ethical involvement of vulnerable populations is a persistent research challenge, especially in cross-cultural and qualitative studies.
- International ethical frameworks provide guidance, but practical application in diverse settings remains complex.
- The European Protecting You & Others project, an Erasmus+ initiative across five countries, explored these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine ethical, methodological, and practical challenges in defining and involving vulnerable participants in a multi-country research project.
- To identify strategies for adapting research activities and educational interventions to diverse needs.
- To inform ethical best practices for research with vulnerable populations in international contexts.
Main Methods:
- Ongoing reflexive work by the research team during project design and implementation.
- Systematic collection of reflexive notes and collective team discussions.
- Analysis of recurrent challenges and adopted strategies for engagement and adaptation.
Main Results:
- Defining vulnerability inclusively yet operationally proved difficult.
- Participant self-perception and external categorization of vulnerability created tensions, with risks of stigmatization.
- Developing respectful language and adapting an international framework for diverse educational contexts were key.
- Vulnerability is a dynamic, context-dependent state requiring flexible research designs and interventions.
Conclusions:
- Predefined classifications and standardized safeguards are insufficient for research with vulnerable populations in international settings.
- Adaptive procedures are essential to address varying needs, barriers, resources, and participation forms.
- Openness and flexibility support person-centered engagement and ethical consistency across diverse contexts.
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