[Our translation/Google translate]
The National Research Ethics Committee for Natural Sciences and Technology (NENT) has recently presented a revised version of the Research Ethics Guidelines for Natural Sciences and Technology. These guidelines were first published in 2007 and this is the second revision.
The guidelines are regularly revised to remain an up-to-date tool. Since the previous revision, the research landscape has changed. Open research, developments in artificial intelligence and enabling technologies and new ways of evaluating research are examples of this. The guidelines have been revised to reflect these and other developments, as well as to ensure updated terminology.
The guidelines have been given an extended introduction that explains their purpose and status. Three appendices have also been added. The proposal for a science oath has been moved to appendix I, appendix II contains an overview of resources referred to in the guidelines, while appendix III is an overview of selected, relevant legislation.
The research ethics guidelines are aimed at both research practitioners and other actors. They must provide students, researchers and the research community (including the HE sector, the institute sector, healthcare organizations and the business world) with knowledge of recognized research ethical norms. The guidelines are advisory and guiding, and they should help promote good scientific practice and develop research ethical judgment and reflection. They can be of help in assessments in individual cases, in the planning of a research project or in the reporting and publication of findings and results. The guidelines shall help to prevent scientific misconduct. An important sub-goal for the guidelines is that they should function as a useful tool in the training of students, research fellows and staff.
All employees at BIO should familiarize themselves with the new guidelines and help communicate them to students and fellows. Those who have questions are welcome to contact Anders Goksøyr (anders.goksoyr@uib.no), member of NENT for UiB.
Note that during 2025, the Research Council will set clearer requirements for research ethics self-evaluation in applications for project support.
The guidelines can be downloaded here.
Anders Goksøyr
on behalf of NENT