Ethical review of research involving humans

A new law on ethical review of research involving humans came into force on January 1, 2004 . The law applies to research on living people, but also to research involving, e.g. human cadavers, biological material from humans, and the handling of sensitive personal information.

In conjunction with the new law, a Central Ethical Review Board and six affiliated regional ethical review boards were established as independent public authorities.

More information: Central Ethical Review Board

Applying for Ethical Evaluation of Research on Humans

If your research involves working with humans, the principal investigator should submit the application for ethical evaluation. The principal investigator is defined as the state agency or the physical or legal entity under whose organisation the research will be conducted. The principal investigator bears ultimate responsibility for the research.

If you are employed by a university or county council, then the university or county council is the principal investigator. The principal investigator itself determines, via internal work/ delegation procedures or by power of attorney, who is eligible to represent it.