Ethics must be an integral part of research, from beginning to end. It could be said that research cannot exist without ethics.

Ethics should not be perceived as a barrier to research, but rather as a way of enhancing the quality of its results.

Codes of good practice provide recommendations and answer researchers' initial questions related to ethics. Specific aspects to be taken into account are indicated in the regulations applicable to each call for projects.

Questions researchers might ask themselves include:

  • Is my research's subject matter relevant? Will it have implications for society?
  • Could my research have a harmful effect on humans, nature, society or future generations?
  • Could it clash with basic human values?
  • Will it involve vulnerable groups?
  • Will it involve the use of personal data?
  • Will subjects' confidentiality and anonymity be maintained?
  • Have all participants been informed about the tests and methods involved and the possible uses of my research?
  • Do my hypotheses entail independence of judgement?
  • Will it be possible for other researchers to examine my work protocols?
  • Is the use of economic resources my research entails justifiable?
  • Are there or might there be conflicts of interest? Is my research independent of all stakeholders?
  • Is it possible to guarantee that people unconnected to my research will not interpret or use its results incorrectly?
  • Is it possible to guarantee the integrity and quality of my research?

Produced and adapted from different codes of good scientific practice by UPF

 

Useful information specifically related to UPF

Calls and events calendar

 

Exemples of projects

  • DEFORM: Define the global and financial impact of research misconduct. The objectives of this project are threefold: 1 - analyse the occurrence of research malpractice (RM) through historical case studies, and evidenced examples; this to find and prove the existence or not of a sociological and systematic financial model related to these topics. 2 - provide a financial modelisation of RM related risks and loss of opportunity. 3 - propose a methodology and guidelines for anticipating, prevent and mitigate the appearance of this type of practices. From 2016-06-01 to 2018-05-31, ongoing project

  • ENERI Project: European Network of Research Ethics and Research Integrity. The ENERI establishes an operable platform of actors in the fields of research ethics and research integrity.  From 2016-09-01 to 2019-08-31, ongoing project.

  • PRINTEGER: Promoting Integrity as an Integral Dimension of Excellence in Research. PRINTEGER will provide concrete tools and advice to promote research integrity in Europe through four specific target groups: • advice on an optimal policy mix and opportunities for harmonisation to research policy makers; • best practice approaches to foster integrity for research leaders and managers; • advice on the use of IT tools and organisational measures for research support organisations; • practice-informed educational tools for ethical training and reflection of early career scientists. From 2015-09-01 to 2018-08-31, ongoing project.

  • SATORI. Stakeholders Acting Together On the ethical impact assessment of Research and Innovation. The aim of which is to improve respect of ethics principles and laws in research and innovation, and to make sure that they are adequately adapted to the evolution of technologies and societal concerns. From 2014-01-01 to 2017-09-30, ongoing project

 

Further information

  • Experience MVI! 360-video on ethical decisions in design process. (6/7/17)

  • Presentation available. Info day "Recerca i innovació responsables (RRI): bones pràctiques ètiques en els projectes de recerca amb persones i en la protecció de dades". 4-5 abril 2016. 

  • Checklist Ethics issues table. EC. 

  • Checklist. Ethical and/or Biosecurity-related Implications of Proyectos del Plan Estatal (Spanish Ministry of the Economy and Competitiveness). 

  • The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity . The European Science Foundation (ESF) / ALLEA (All European Academies). Revised Edition (2017) 

  • Guide H2020 programme How to complete your ethics self-assessment. EC. 2016.

  • The research ethics guidebook. The Research Ethics Guidebook is designed as a resource for social science researchers - those early in their careers, as well as more experienced colleagues. This website has been developed by a team at the Institute of Education, University of London. 

  • Participant Portal H2020. Online manual ethics.  

  • EUREC - European Network of Research Ethics Committees. EUREC is a network that brings together already existing national Research Ethics Committees (RECs) associations, networks or comparable initiatives on the European level. The network promotes capacity building and assistance for local RECs to cooperate in the EU European Research Area.   

  • Video Ethics in H2020. by NCP Academy. (16-2-17)

  • Horizon 2020 Work programme Ethics.