Research Ethics Committee

Aalto University's Research Ethics Committee sees to the carrying out of research ethical review at the university for non-medical research with research involving human participants. Statements on research projects that come under the Medical Research Act (laki lääketieteellisestä tutkimuksesta, 488/1999) are provided by the ethical committees of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS): HUS, ethical committees (in Finnish)

(You are now on page that focuses on research ethics preliminary evaluation, if you are interested on Research integrity, more information from here)

A preliminary ethical assessment refers to assessment of a research plan in the light of the ethical practices generally followed in that particular field of research, with special emphasis on preventing any harm that the research or its results might cause to the research subject. A preliminary review applies only to precisely defined research configurations. It can be implemented also if it is anticipated that the study’s publication forum, financier or an international cooperation partner requests it.

Aalto University is committed to complying with the instructions drafted by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK), the instructions on preliminary ethical assessments of research within the human sciences (see below for guidelines pdf) Quick information: Research ethics review - FAQ's | Aalto University

At Aalto University, there are  two processes for research ethics statemen request: the committee (full) process and concise process with committee chair decision. (see more information: How and when should you apply for ethical review of research) 

In both of the processes for research ethics statemen request, the committee (full) process and concise process with committee chair decision, the request for research ethics statement is made by filling in the statement request form and adding relevant appendices. (see more information: How and when should you apply for ethical review of research) 

Applying for pre evaluation on research ethics 

Pre evaluation is applied with e -statement request (requires an Aalto id). Remember to read the guidelines prior to applying. The research ethics statement form has been transferred to new platform. If the e-form does not open contact committee secretary Annukka Jyrämä. You find the statement request form from here: 

if you have already made a research ethics statement request and wish to revise or update your statement request you can find the form from here (they will be transferred to the new platform as soon as possible): 

Access to template require Aalto identification. The Finnish versions of the templates are linked to the Finnish site on research ethics committee. More information from: How and when should you apply for ethical review of research

Handling of statements

Statement requests for full research ethics review to be handled at commitee meeting are sent to the Committee secretary by e-platform (see above) at the latest 21 days before the meeting. The Research Ethics Committee meets regularly when convened by the chair. The prepared statements can be discussed and accepted also in e-mail meetings within 21 days of the statement request being submitted. If you are not satisfied with the committee’s decision or requests for modification, you have a right to make a statement request to the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK). Submission for concise process can me made at any time. Remember to indicate in the form which process you estimate applcable for you research (clikcing the box in form) 

Meetings and applications:

The statements are prepared by two Committee members with expertise in the relevant research area with legal advisor. If needed, the preparing Committee members can ask for additional information from the researcher requesting the statement.

The statement in concise process are prepared by one committee member or deputy member and legal advisor. Committee chair can transfer the statement to full process for committee handling based on the review. 

Meeting minutes and agendas

Aalto University Research Ethics Committee's meeting agendas and minutes can be asked from the secretary. Statement requests are confidential. Meeting agendas and minutes are available (see links in table above), but access requires Aalto id. Earlier agendas and minutes are available from the committee secretary. The link to agenda is removed when minutes are published. 

Chair: Vice President Jyri Hämäläinen
Secretary:  Senior Specialist Annukka Jyrämä