Open and responsible RDI
We carry out RDI work in an ethically sustainable manner and in accordance with responsible conduct of research principles.
Research ethics and responsible conduct of research are an important part of Turku University of Applied Sciences’ teaching and research activities. The management of research ethics is one of the basic skills of researchers and people engaged in development work, and consideration of research ethics issues is a key part of each RDI project.
Research ethics
In Finland, research ethics are governed by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity, TENK. Turku University of Applied Sciences is committed to following the guidelines on responsible research and handling of suspected violations drawn up by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK.
The Research Ethics Committee of Turku University of Applied Sciences is responsible for the ex-ante ethical evaluation of non-medical research in the human sciences. Ex-ante evaluation ensures adequate protection of research subjects and strengthens legal protections for the researcher.
Responsible conduct of research
Responsible conduct of research (RCR) is part of self-regulation by the higher education community, which is limited by legislation. Compliance with responsible conduct of research principles is primarily the responsibility of individual members of research groups, but responsibility also lies with the entire scientific community.
Responsible conduct of research should be ensured by researchers, teachers, instructors and applicants for funding or research jobs, as well as those in expert positions. In addition to research activities, the guidelines also apply to teaching materials, opinions, evaluations, merit and publication lists. The publication format can be printed, oral, or electronic. Researchers must also follow responsible conduct of research principles in social interactions, such as on social media.
Take a look at Guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK, on responsible conduct of research and handling alleged violations of conduct in co-operation with the Finnish research community.
Research misconduct
Research misconduct refers to unethical or dishonest conduct that harms scientific research. At worst, it invalidates the results of the study. Research misconduct can be broken down into fraudulent scientific activities and disregard for responsible conduct of research principles. Scientific fraud includes making up, misrepresenting observations, plagiarism and using us. Scientific disagreements do not violate responsible conduct of research principles.
Suspected cases of research misconduct, proceed in the same way in all Finnish higher education institutions. The process consists of three stages: notification, preliminary study and actual investigation. At Turku University of Applied Sciences, the Rector is responsible for investigating cases of suspected of research misconduct.
It is recommended that the allegations of research misconduct be made using a form drawn up by TENK. Notifications are sent directly to the rector of the higher education institution or university concerned. Please note that untrue and malicious allegation of research misconduct can itself be considered a research misconduct.
Research Ethics Committee
At Turku University of Applied Sciences, compliance with responsible conduct of research principles is supervised by the Rector. At the national level, research ethics are governed by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK.
The Research Ethics Committee of Turku University of Applied Sciences is responsible for organising ex-ante evaluation of the the university’s non-medical research projects in the human sciences. In exceptional cases, an ex-ante evaluation may also be carried out on behalf of project partners if the partner does not have another ex-ante evaluation process at its disposal.
The Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Southwest Finland issues opinions on medical examinations involving humans and human embryos and foetuses in the Hospital District of Southwest Finland’s special area of responsibility.
Committee Chair
Committee Draftsman
Members of the Committee
- Ursula Hyrkkänen, Executive Lecturer
- Harri Kilpiö, Data Protection Officer (DPO)
- Hannele Kuusisto, Lecturer
- Katariina Pajuranta, Senior Advisor
- Samuel Raunio, Head of Education and Research
- Anne-Marie Tuikka, Senior Advisor
Research permits
Organisations outside Turku University of Applied Sciences needs a research permit to conduct research into Turku University of Applied Sciences. The following study type require a research permit:
- Research focusing on Turku University of Applied Sciences, the teaching and/or services provided there, or its students or staff.
- Research projects that involve direct or indirect cost of Turku University of Applied Sciences, i.e., projects which make use of the results of work conducted during working hours by Turku University of Applied Sciences’ staff (e.g. materials assembled specifically for research at Turku University of Applied Sciences), the intranet newsletter service or other university resources.
- Research which requires Turku University of Applied Sciences to disclose personal data.
Applying for a research permit
Research permits are granted primarily for scientific and/or thesis-related studies and/or research of interest to Turku University of Applied Sciences or involving activities in fields of study of the University of Applied Sciences.
Researchers must commit to complying with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and its supplementary National Data Protection Act on the processing and protection of personal data. The author of the research must follow responsible conduct of research principles in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK. Any materials generated by the research concerning the data of individuals must be destroyed or archived in accordance with the law. A research permit may be revoked if the terms of the permit decision are violated. In such cases, the research permit holder shall return the information received for the purposes of the research.
How to apply for a research permit
- Fill in a research permit application (word)
- Send our research permit application to the e-mail address: tutkimusluvat@turkuamk.fi
You can also send your research permit application by post to:
Turku University of Applied Sciences / RDI Services / Research Permit
Joukahaisenkatu 3 A
20520 Turku
Granting research permits
Research permits are granted by the person responsible for the research or development field. Permission to research the activities of Turku University of Applied Sciences as a whole is granted by the Vice Rector responsible for research at Turku University of Applied Sciences. Decisions relating to a whole field, educational unit, degree programme or function are made by the head of that unit or by any other person responsible for the activity.
The unit, function or degree programme concerned is responsible for the implementation and reporting of research and development work together with the holder of the research permit as agreed in the research permit decision.
Additional information
Sustainable development in RDI
Sustainable and environmentally responsible RDI activities provide solutions to sustainability challenges, promote sustainable development and reduce the impact of climate change.
We use and develop evaluation criteria jointly with our partners to promote and increase the sustainability and environmental responsibility of our RDI activities. All our RDI projects are evaluated according to sustainability criteria that assess the project’s ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability.
Read more about sustainable development and environmental responsibility at Turku UAS: