Research ethics concerning applications to Horizon Europe
Ethics is given the highest priority in EU-funded research. All EU-funded research must comply with ethical principles and relevant legislation, such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights.
When applying for EU funding, it is essential to demonstrate that the proposed project is reasonable in terms of research-ethical risks. The application form includes standard questions about planned interventions on humans or animals, handling personal data, pathogens or hazardous chemicals, using stem cells or artificial intelligence, and exchanges with or staying in foreign countries. The ethics system is described in Chapter 12 of the “Horizon Europe Programme Guide.”
The EU assesses the adequacy of ethical awareness in research applications. This review considers the application's general application text and ethics section. Clearly describe in the application how you plan to address the research ethical issues or risks you have identified. Specifically, answer the questions in Section 4 of the application form (the ethics table). If you answer “Yes” to any of the questions, describe how you will manage the risks in the free-text field after the table. The document “How to complete your ethics self-assessment” may also be helpful.
Consider whether measures to handle ethical issues should be integrated into work packages or organised into a separate work package. Consider whether one or more external reviewers (so-called Ethics Advisory Board) should be engaged. Make sure to plan for the costs involved.
Sweden’s requirements and practices regarding research ethics apply as usual, even within an EU project. Ethical approvals required by Swedish law cannot be fulfilled by EU approval of a project’s ethics.
The Research Support Office can provide advice via researchethics@kth.se