New website on responsible science serves the scientific community

How are materials handled responsibly throughout the research project – and after it has been completed? How can researchers improve their skills in research ethics?

Vastuullinentiede.fi ('responsible science'), a website launched in March, brings together up-to-date information on responsible science: on the good scientific practice, research ethics, science communications and the culture of open science in Finland. For the time being, the website is only available in Finnish, but versions in English and Swedish will be published shortly.

The website consists of articles written by experts and researchers in a popular manner and covering the entire life cycle of the research project from the development of the research idea, through the compilation and analysis of research material, to the publication and use of the findings. For science to be effective and for people to trust it, researchers must act responsibly at all stages of the process. Similarly, science communications must be conducted responsibly throughout the research life cycle.

The website is part of the Vastuullinen tiede project in which the Committee for Public Information and the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity are the organisations acting in the background.  The project has been funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Advancing responsible conduct of research at Aalto

Aalto University has committed to follow the guidelines for ethical principles of research in the humanities and social and behavioural sciences as well as the guidelines for responsible conduct of research, both given by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK). Please see especially Responsible conduct of research. In addition, Aalto Code of Conduct helps us to create a better work environment, protects our reputation and towards our partners, strengthens our image of being a responsible and reliable organisation.

“In line with Aalto’s Code of Conduct, our passion for the exploration of scientific breakthroughs and artistic manifestations also comes with responsibility – not only regarding the results, but also the conduct of research and artistic practices”, says Head of Legal Kristiina Kemetter. “Compliance with commonly agreed best practices for the responsible conduct of research are non-negotiable and a key foundation for our activities. Responsible artistic practice involves many of the same elements as responsible research conduct.”

In case you’re looking for further guidance on responsible conduct of research, you can discuss with Aalto's research integrity advisers in a confidential manner. They can for example guide whether to start an official process of handling misconduct (HTK), communicate on research integrity in general, help to prevent scientific misconduct, act as contact persons towards TENK and in general act as first contact points. They do not make a decision whether scientific misconduct exists or not, nor do they start investigating the cases. The research integrity advisers do not handle issues regarding cheating in studies nor ethical pre-reviews.

Research integrity advisers at Aalto:

Research Liaison Officer Teppo Huhtio

Senior Specialist Annukka Jyrämä

Senior Research Liaison Officer Sanna-Maija Kiviranta

Legal Counsel Päivi Lindström

Specialist Antti Rousi (On leave spring 2018)

Senior Specialist Anne Sunikka

Controller Terhi Ylöstalo, ELEC

Professor Paula Hohti, ARTS

Professor Matti Häyry, BIZ

Professor Markus Linder, CHEM

Professor Seppo Ovaska, ELEC

More information:

vastuullinentiede.fi

Research etchis and research integrity at Aalto