Step 5: Research ethics

At Karlstad University, all research projects, including PhD projects, must undergo a review of ethical considerations. This applies to both externally funded projects and others. The different routes are briefly described below.

First thing to consider

In the case where it is unclear if the research involves personal data or animal experiments, the researcher will complete an ethics questionnaire for the project, to provide the ethical advisers at the faculties with the information needed to assess its ethical considerations. All questionnaires are lodged with the registry (diariet).

Research involving people, sensitive personal data

If you are going to do research on people, human tissue or sensitive personal information, you first have to submit an application for ethical review and advise to the Research Ethics Committee at KAU (forskningsetiska kommittén). Apply through the portal "Ethix" on the Swedish Ethical Review Authority website. If the project falls under the Ethics Review Act the next step will be to send the application for consideration to The Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Etikprövningsmyndigheten), which is responsible for all ethical decisions in Sweden. 

Research involving animals

A regional animal committee shall review planned animal experiments. The research study must not begin before the board has approved it. At the Swedish Board of Agriculture's website you can read more about the rules that apply and the permits required for the use of animals in research. To seek guidance, you can contact the animal experimentation supervisor at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences at Kau. Find the contact details on the right.