More ethics in research applications
The Research Council is introducing research ethics self-evaluations in all applications. The National Research Ethics Committees (NREC) have assisted in the work.
Johannes Waage Løvhaug, Department Director at the Research Council of Norway, says some of their thematic calls allready require a report on research ethics. In 2025, the plan is for it to be introduced in all calls.
"We are introducing this to make it clearer what reflections on research ethics we expect in the applications, and that this is something that everyone must be aware of when they apply for project funding. Until now, it has been unclear to both the applicants and those evaluating the applications what is expected with regard to ethical assessments. We hope that this move makes it clearer", says Waage Løvhaug.
He says the same information is provided to both the researchers and the referees who assess the applications.
"Research ethics checklist"
In close collaboration with NREC, the Research Council has prepared a "research ethics checklist" that can be of help to the applicants.
"Researchers can use this when explaining how ethical problems or dilemmas will be handled in the projects. The most important thing is that the applicants show that they are aware of the ethical challenges and have a plan for handling them," Waage Løvhaug points out.
The general director of NREC Helene Ingierd explains further:
"The purpose of the self-evaluation tool is to help researchers and others who apply to identify the key research ethics dimensions in a project. It also points to key resources that can guide applicants in dealing with ethical issues. In 2025, we will continue the dialogue with the Research Council on this tool."
Waage Løvhaug is very satisfied with the collaboration and dialogue so far.
"The professional knowledge in NREC has been absolutely crucial for us to get this in place. The expertise NREC represents makes us confident that there is high quality in what we now present to our applicants", says Waage Løvhaug.
Read more on the Research Council of Norway's website (in Norwegian).
See the checklist (in Norwegian)
A shared responsibility
Ingierd elaborates that it is very positive that the Research Council is now facilitating clearer requirements and expectations for research ethics reflection among those who apply for funding. She says the Research Council plays a key role in the Norwegian research system, and should take joint responsibility for ethical and responsible research.
"Our academically independent committees consist of researchers, and they are the ones who draw up the research ethics guidelines that form the basis for the self-evaluation. It is also the researchers and partners who must make the specific assessments of ethics in projects. But several actors have a responsibility. The research institutions must ensure that the research is conducted in accordance with recognised norms of research ethics. The national research ethics committees can also be asked for advice in ethically demanding projects.