The Norwegian General guidelines for Research Ethics 2019
From The Embassy of Good Science
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The Norwegian General guidelines for Research Ethics 2019
What is this about?
The document 'General guidelines for Research Ethics', developed in 2019 in Norway, is a national guideline that addresses the principles of research integrity. Authored by The Norwegian National Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, The Norwegian Committee for Research Ethics in Science and Technology, The Norwegian National Committee for Evaluation of Research on Human Remains, The Norwegian National Commission for the Investigation of Research Misconduct, and available in English, it targets the research community in Norway. It provides clear expectations for responsible conduct in research and defines practices that safeguard honesty, transparency, and accountability. The text outlines responsibilities of both individual researchers and institutions. It identifies misconduct such as plagiarism, data falsification, fabrication, and unethical authorship, while also promoting good practices in publication, peer review, and collaborative research. It emphasizes effective data management, openness in reporting, and respect for colleagues, participants, and the wider community. Institutions are encouraged to create supportive environments through policies, training, and oversight mechanisms. The document serves as an official reference for aligning national research standards with international expectations, reinforcing ethical norms across research fields.
Why is this important?
'General guidelines for Research Ethics' is important because it ensures credibility and trust in research by providing both preventive and corrective guidance. It prevents misconduct by educating researchers on standards, and offers frameworks for addressing violations fairly. In today’s interconnected research environment, having shared ethical codes strengthens international collaboration and consistency. For governments, institutions, and the public, this document demonstrates commitment to transparency, fairness, and societal responsibility. It is not just a guideline but a foundation for safeguarding the reliability of research outcomes.
