Research on human subjects and personal data

Research on humans, or on information or biological samples from humans, gives rise to ethics issues and special ethics concerns must be taken into account. There are also particular rules and guidelines for such research.

Ethical review of research involving humans

Here you can find information on what kinds of research that are subject to ethical review, what to do, and what applies to student work as well as research carried out abroad. You can also find information about responsibilities concerning ethical review.

Read more on ethical review of research involving humans

Research on human tissue

Here you can find information on what applies and what to think about when carrying our research on biological samples from living or deceased persons.

Read more on research on human tissue

To inform research subjects and ask for consent

Here you can find information about informing research subjects and asking for consent, including templates that may be used.

Read more about how to inform research subjects and ask for consent

Information about processing personal data in research

Personal data is all information that can be linked to identifiable persons who are alive. When such data are to be processed (collected, analysed, received, transferred, stored, and so on), certain requirements must be met according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For the processing of personal data in research, there are special requirements. Here you can find more information about that.

Instruction for the processing of personal data in research

Compensation to research subjects

Researchers may wish to compensate research subjects for participating in research. When determining whether it is appropriate to offer compensation, researchers must consider ethical aspects as well as rules and other circumstances.

Read more about compensation to research subjects here

Contact

Ethics support
Contact the Ethics Support Function at the Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services if you have questions about research ethics, ethical review, ethical guidelines, good research practice and research misconduct

Last updated: 2025-06-30

Source: Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services