Research ethics is an integrated and necessary component of all research. It consists of a set of values, norms and institutional arrangements that help constitute and regulate scientific activities. These contribute to quality in research, regulate relations between researchers and ensure that research is carried out in accordance with the expectations and demands of society.
As a researcher, you have a personal responsibility and are required by law to make sure that your research is conducted in accordance with recognised norms of research ethics and in line with current institutional regulations.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of resources, routines and tools at UiO that aid you in this effort. You’ll also find information on how UiO processes possible violations of recognised norms of research ethics, and the routines for reporting such violations.
Introduction to norms and guidelines of research ethics
Research ethics comprises multiple sets of norms and guidelines. All researchers must be well acquainted with these, know how they are connected and be familiar with the ethical challenges that pertain specifically to your own field of research.
It is also essential to be aware that the responsibility for research ethics for the most part rests with the research community itself. The Norwegian Research Ethics Act states that all research in Norway must be carried out in accordance with recognised norms in research ethics. What these norms are, however, is determined within the research community.
Recognised research ethical norms
Norms of research ethics provide fundamental guidance towards good and responsible research. They have been developed by the research community over time and institutionalised in the international research community.
The norms concern both good scientific practice, relations to individuals and groups affected by the research and research's overall social responsibility.
UiO's standard for research integrity
Research integrity is the part of research ethics that guides internal research ethical norms, i.e., what constitutes honest behaviour in research.
To clarify which sets of norms for research integrity are relevant for the university and its employees, The University of Oslo has decided a standard for research integrity. he standard applies to all researchers at UiO.
Guidelines of research ethics
Guidelines of research ethics can be regarded as specifications of recognised norms of research ethics, on both a national and an international level. In Norway, the National Research Ethics Committee have established sets of general as well as field-specific guidelines.
Training in research ethics at UiO
Anyone who conducts or participates in research at UiO must have good insight into research ethical norms and guidelines. To facilitate this in the best way possible, UiO offers different kinds of training in research ethics.
- Faculties at UiO offer courses in research ethics for PhD students. For more information about these courses, contact your faculty.
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UiO has developed an institution-wide course in research integrity. The course consists of a digital preparation module and a one-day classroom course. Starting 2024 four courses will be offered per semester, two in Norwegian and two in English.
Guidance and advice: The Science Ombud at UiO
The Science Ombud (Vitenskapsombudet) assists academic staff at the University of Oslo in issues and disputes concerning good scientific practice, integrity and research ethics.
The Science Ombud can:
- give you information on research ethics, norms, and regulations.
- provide guidance and confidential advice on issues of scientific integrity.
- help resolve issues early and at the lowest possible level.
UiO's forum for research ethics
Forum for Research Ethics ('Forum for forskningsetikk') invites all researchers at UiO to open events every semester. The events explore different topics in research ethics in depth.
Committees for the investigation of research conduct
UiO has two committees that process possible violations of recognised norms of research ethics. They are UiO's committees for the investigation of research conduct pursuant to the Research Ethics Act and give advice for UiO's work in research ethics.
The Research Ethics Committee
The Research Ethics Committee (Forskningsetisk utvalg) process notifications on possible violations of recognised norms of research ethics at all units at UiO, except for the Department of Clinical Medicine.
The Commission for Research Integrity
The Commission for Research Integrity (Felles redelighetsutvalg) process notifications on possible violations of recognised norms of research ethics at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Oslo University Hospital HF and Akershus University Hospital HF.
Guidelines for the processing of cases of possible violations of recognised norms of research ethics
These guidelines specify responsibilities and roles for the management of research ethics at UiO and routines and procedures connected to the processing of cases.
Reporting of possible violations of recognised norms in research ethics
Anyone who discovers a possible violation of recognised norms in research ethics at the University of Oslo can report it.
If you'd like to report a case, you use an online form for this.
For more information on what can be reported, procedures for processing the case and more, see UiO's main page for the reporting of such cases.
Other statutory requirements: Processing of personal data and medical research
In addition to norms and guidelines of research ethics, part of the research at UiO is regulated by specific, statutory requirements. This applies to research that handle personal data, and research in health and medical sciences.
Research with personal data
UiO's routine for research with personal data shall ensure that student and research projects that handle personal data follow the Personal Data Act.