Research on human subjects and personal data
Research on humans, or 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.
For example, certain research must receive ethical review approval before it may be begun, research subjects must be informed and provide consent, and personal data must be handled in accordance with rules aiming to protect privacy.
Ethical review of research involving humans
Since 2004, certain kinds of research involving humans, including personal data, must be reviewed before it may be begun. Here you can find more information on what kinds of research that must be reviewed, 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 and how the preventive measures to be taken by departments can be set up.
To inform research subjects and ask for consent
Many research projects involve research subjects, that is people participating as subjects in experiments, interviews, surveys, and so on, or people whose personal data or biological samples are processed for research purposes. Before research subjects are involved in a project, they must be given information and provide their informed 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.
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.
Support
You can turn to the ethics support function at the Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services if you have questions or concerns relating to research integrity and ethics – for example on ethical review, ethics guidelines, good research practice or research misconduct. We are also happy to participate in events organized by other parts of Stockholm University, so please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are interested in organizing something related to research integrity and ethics.
