CONFERENCEAt the University of Latvia, research ethics principles are defined by the UL Research Ethics Policy (2021). The policy includes principles of responsible conduct for the UL staff in scientific research involving human subjects, animal research, dual-use risks, or risks to the environment.
The aim of the policy is to protect the rights, health, safety, and dignity of research participants, ensure the welfare of laboratory animals, prevent harm to research participants, society and the environment, and promote the reputation and excellence of the UL as a scientific institution.
When is the opinion of the research ethics committee required?
Before the start of the research, the opinion of the ethics committee must be obtained for the following types of research:
- research involving animals, in which any living vertebrate other than humans is used
- research involving the collection and processing of personal data
- research involving human subjects, where the research participants are physically involved in the research, are observed, or their opinions are sought
- research involving biological samples, in which tissues, cells or other biological samples from living or deceased humans or vertebrate animals are obtained and/or used
- research that poses a risk to the environment
- research with dual-use risk – where there is a risk that the results of the research could be used not only for the benefit of society, but also to cause harm to society.
