GOOD CONDUCT IN RESEARCH AND GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF GOOD RESEARCH PRACTICES

A researcher’s professional competence consists of a profound knowledge of the field as well as of mastering the research methodologies and professional ethics
of the field. These together constitute the code for good research practices. The whole research community is responsible for complying with the good research practices.

In 2002, the Board drafted, in consultation with the Finnish research community, a set of guidelines on good research conduct, as well as on the procedures to be followed when dealing with alleged misconduct. The aim of the guidelines is to prevent research misconduct in all organisations engaged in research, such as universities, polytechnics and research institutes. The entire research community has voluntarily committed itself to these guidelines. However, the effectiveness of the guidelines also depends on the basic training in research ethics offered by
higher education institutions as well as on the training and guidance in research ethics offered to researchers at different stages of their careers.

In accordance with the guidelines, a twelve-stage procedure is followed when dealing with alleged misconduct. An investigation of the alleged misconduct is carried out by the organization where the research in question is being or has been conducted. If the person under suspicion or the party who has alleged misconduct is dissatisfied with the procedural methods followed, he or she can request for an opinion from the National Advisory Board for Research Ethics.

Further information on the subject:

Guidelines on Good scientific practice and procedures for handling
misconduct and fraud in science www.tenk.fi/EN G/HTK /htkeng.pdf

List of organisations that have committed themselves to the guidelines:
www.tenk.fi/HTK /allekirjoittajat.pdf

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH IN THE HUMANITES AND SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES

In 2010, the Board issued an additional set of guidelines on the ethical principles to be followed in research in the humanitiesand social and behavioural sciences as well as a proposal for the organization of ethical reviews in these sectors.
Most higher education institutions and research institutes active in these areas in Finland have already committed themselves to these guidelines.