The Human Sciences Ethics Committee of the Helsinki Region Universities of Applied Sciences

Ethical principles of research

In Finland, researchers in all scientific fields are guided by general ethical principles:

  • the researcher must respect the human dignity and right to self-determination of the research participants
  • the researcher must respect material and intellectual cultural heritage and natural diversity
  • the researcher must conduct their research without causing significant risks, damage or harm to human participants, the community or other research objects

In addition, researchers in Finland must comply with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK) concerning responsible conduct of research.

See the website of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (tenk.fi)

The Human Sciences Ethics Committee of the Helsinki Region Universities of Applied Sciences

An ethical review of non-medical research with human participants is conducted by the human sciences ethics committee of the researcher’s workplace.

The committee conducts advance reviews and provides statements on research with human participants that does not need to be reviewed by the regional medical ethics committee on the basis of the Medical Research Act. Besides humanities and social sciences, such research includes research with human participants in the natural sciences and technology, in artistic research, and in some cases also in non-invasive health or medical research.

In this context, research refers to research, development and innovation activities. The committee provides statements upon request to the staff and students of its member organisations. The committee does not issue statements on research that has already been completed. Additionally, the committee’s purpose is to promote training in research integrity, contribute towards maintaining and enhancing the quality of research and serve as an expert body on research integrity in its member organisations.

The statement is free of charge.

The following Universities of Applied Sciences are members of the Committee:

Arcada, Diak, Humak, Laurea, HAMK, Metropolia, Haaga-Helia