Jim Lavery is recipient of the GFBR 2017 award in recognition of his significant contribution to progress in international research ethics. Jim is Hilton Chair in Global Health Ethics, Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health in the Rollins School of Public Health, and Faculty of the Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. GFBR is delighted to recognise Jim’s long-term commitment to research ethics and his influence and contributions to the field globally.