Your project will benefit from addressing ethical issues early on, and your advisor will be available to provide guidance. Learn more here about the necessary steps and who to contact.
Integrity and Ethics in Science
As a member of the university (researchers, students, staff), you are personally responsible for ensuring that your research complies with ethical standards. Ethical considerations may arise at various stages of a research project (e.g. premature statements about possible results should be avoided). It is therefore advisable to take steps to ensure compliance with ethical principles as early as the preparatory phase. For studies carried out on or involving human subjects, informed consent is also required (see, amongst other things, the Practical Guide to Integrity and Ethics in Science).
Ethics Application
To ensure ethical standards in research involving human subjects, the University of Graz has an Ethics Committee. This independent body consists of nine members from a wide range of disciplines (see the University of Graz Ethics Committee website). The Ethics Committee issues expert opinions on the ethical acceptability of research projects. All research projects involving human subjects that are conducted by members of the University of Graz or at University of Graz facilities must be reviewed for ethical acceptability and require a positive expert opinion from the Ethics Committee prior to implementation (see the Ethics Committee section of the University Statutes).
Please also keep in mind that a positive review of your ethics application may be required if you wish to publish your research. It is not possible for the Ethics Committee to issue a review retroactively (after the research project has been completed). In this context, please also take into account the processing time required by the Ethics Committee, which may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the application. Tip: Fill out the form provided by the Ethics Committee completely and coherently!
Moodle course ‘Digital Learning Path – Ethics Applications’
There is also a Moodle course you can take to familiarise yourself better with the ethical aspects of research. It is best to ask your supervisor for access to the Moodle course ‘Digital Learning Path – Ethics Applications’! Please be sure to follow the information in the Moodle course.
