Which principle underscores the requirement for researchers to minimize risks in studies involving human subjects?

The principle that underscores the requirement for researchers to minimize risks in studies involving human subjects is beneficence. This principle emphasizes the obligation of researchers to act in the best interests of the participants, ensuring their well-being and safety throughout the research process. It requires that the potential benefits of the research must outweigh any risks to the participants. Minimizing risks is essential to uphold this principle, as it directly relates to protecting participants from harm and ensuring a positive benefit-risk balance.

While justice involves fairness in distributing the benefits and burdens of research, and autonomy focuses on respecting individuals' rights and their ability to make informed decisions, beneficence specifically highlights the researcher’s duty to safeguard participants' welfare. Integrity relates to the honesty and accountability of the research process but does not specifically address the minimization of risk to subjects. Therefore, beneficence is the most relevant principle in ensuring that risks are minimized in research involving human subjects.