In human sciences, certain research designs require ethical review. The publisher, collaborator, research subject or research funder of the study may also require ethical review. The Committee on Research Ethics of the University of Eastern Finland carries out reviews and issues statements on research projects and studies in the humanities and social and behavioural sciences. The Committee adheres to the guidelines of the National Advisory Board on Research Ethics relating to research in the humanities and social and behavioural sciences. The applicant should familiarise herself/himself with the guidelines. Instructions and forms for making a request for a statement can be found on the university's public website on the public website
A research permit must be sought from the target organisation from which research subjects are recruited. If the ethical statement is needed, it must be sought before the research permit.
Scientific research always requires a research permit (at Kuopio University Hospital: an organisation permit). Other permits, statements, and notifications may also be required, depending on the type of research. For example, the Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea must be notified of interventional clinical trials on medicinal products, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL grants permission to use registers. Research must not be started before all the required permits have been granted.
When a research project or study in Health Sciences or Medicine intervenes with the physical or mental integrity of a person, the project or study is required by law to undergo an ethical review by the ethics committee of the hospital district concerned. Research projects and studies in Medicine and Health Sciences carried out at the University of Eastern Finland are reviewed by the Research Ethics Committee of the Northern Savo Hospital District. The review of the committee adheres to the Medical Research Act (1999/488).
Requests for statement and instructions: Research Ethics Committee of the Northern Savo Wellbeing Services County
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The use of laboratory animals is subject to a licence. The use of animals for experimental purposes is regulated in Finland by the Act on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (497/2013), the Government Decree on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes (564/2013) and other legislation on the use of animals for experimental purposes.
Further information is available on the website of the the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Finland.
The use of gene technology is regulated by Gene Technology Act (377/1995). The Board for Gene Technology (GTLK), which operates in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, is the competent authority in Finland regarding the use of genetically modified organisms in accordance with the Act. The Advisory Board on Biotechnology is a consultative body of experts in issues related to bio- and gene technology.