Research integrity and ethics

Researchers’ adhesion to the principles of the research integrity and ethics is part of the University’s quality assurance. The University personnel and students are familiarized with the responsible conduct of research guidelines (RCR guidelines) and the process of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK with extensive education.

University of Oulu has committed to follow the guidelines of Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK.

The University of Oulu ethics working group

The Ethics Working Group’s tasks include, among other things, sparking discussion about the university’s values and ethical questions. The working group is discussing how to make these values visible in the university’s work and also makes ethical proposals.

During the term 2022-2023, the Ethics Working Group’s special duties are:

• Promotion of education and training on ethics and research integrity at the University of Oulu
• Ethical issues related to responsible science questions.

Contact information:
Satu Pitkäaho (Chair), Project Coordinator, Faculty of Technology 
Aija Ryyppö (Secretary), Quality Manager, Unit for Strategy and Science Policy
(firstname.lastname@oulu.fi)

Research integrity advisers at the University of Oulu

At the University of Oulu, there is four research integrity advisers trained by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK, who provide low-threshold personal advice on research integrity to researchers and other staff. Advice can be asked, for example, on notification of alleged RCR violation or if one has become a subject of such allegation. More information for researchers on intranet Patio (requires login with university user id).

The Advisory Board on Biotechnology (BTNK) 

The Board for Gene Technology (GTLK)

The National Advisory Board on Social Welfare and Health Care Ethics ETENE 

National Committee on Medical Research Ethics TUKIJA 

Form for reporting allegations of misconduct of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) has developed a template form for reporting allegations of misconduct of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). TENK thus responds to the need expressed by universities and other research organizations, as well as the Ministry of Education and Culture, to simplify the reporting of scientific fraud and to facilitate the preparation of the RCR report. TENK hopes that the structured form will streamline the processing of RCR notifications and harmonize practices. 

The notifier does not have to be a researcher or a member of the scientific community. TENK does not receive RCR notifications, but the notification must be made to the research or educational institution where the research is mainly conducted or the suspected researcher works. It is good that the notifier gets acquainted with the research organization’s own instructions for making the notification. A notification of an allegations of misconduct of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) shall be sent to the Rector or Administrative Director of the University of Oulu.

Form for reporting allegations of misconduct of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) 

Harassment and bullying reporting policy at the University of Oulu

Everyone at university has a responsibility to prevent harassment and bullying. Improper treatment can be addressed by notification. The University of Oulu has introduced a harassment and bullying reporting policy. Improper behavior can be reported anonymously by a web-form through which a student or employee can submit a request to deal with a bullying or harassment situation in accordance with the University of Oulu's operating model.