New research ethics recommendations for AI and nature and environment

The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) has published two new national recommendations. One addresses research involving nature and the environment, and the other the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), both as a tool in research and in research that develops AI.

Support for ethics concerning nature and the environment

The recommendation on research involving nature and the environment (NERE) supports researchers in identifying and considering ethical questions. It applies to all research activities that involve, in a broad sense, nature and the environment, together with the built environment, local communities and outer space. It helps to minimise the harms of planned research and to protect nature, the environment and local communities from adverse research effects. 

If you are planning research that has impacts on nature and the environment, please familiarise yourself with this recommendation. If needed, you can contact the secretary of the Research Ethics Committee, Annukka Jyrämä (contact details below), to discuss the most appropriate process for research ethics review.

Support for the responsible use of artificial intelligence

The recommendation on AI in research addresses both the use of AI as a tool in research and research involving the development of AI. It provides guidance for identifying, assessing and managing ethical issues and risks. It includes recommendations on, for example, transparency in AI use, data management, research assessment, AI literacy and ethical review.

If AI plays a significant role in your study and affects research ethics issues, familiarise yourself with the new recommendations. If your research involves human participants, seek ethical review in advance from Aalto University’s Research Ethics Committee where necessary. In addition, prepare an annex explaining how AI affects the research ethics aspects of your study.

Good scientific practice guides you to make the right choices

At Aalto University, the national Code of Conduct for Research Integrity are followed; you should know these requirements and act accordingly. Ethical review of research is a statement about the ethical acceptability of a study. It is conducted before data collection and  cannot be issued after the research has begun.

Read more

New national ethical recommendation for research involving nature and the environment | Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK

TENK publishes new national recommendation on AI in research | Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK

The Finnish code of conduct for research integrity and procedures for handling alleged violations of research integrity in Finland 2023