Changes to legislation on ethical review are set to make life easier for researchers

One of the most significant changes to the Act is the introduction of exemptions from the requirement for ethical approval for certain research involving the processing of sensitive personal data.

“This is a welcome change that will make things easier and improve the conditions for a large number of researchers,” says Patrik Danielson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and chair of the Council for the Promotion of Good Research Practice (REDA) at Umeå University.

In brief, the proposed amendments mean that Umeå University needs to introduce a procedure for assessing whether research projects require ethical review or are exempt from ethical review. The procedure will apply to each project, or part of a project, in which sensitive personal data or personal data relating to criminal offences are to be processed. If the assessment concludes that the research does not require ethical review, the assessment must be documented.

The amended Act will enter into force on 1 July 2027. New procedures for ethical review at Umeå University are to be in place by April 2027, and the work will be led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Patrik Danielson. The University’s procedures will be adapted to forthcoming guidance from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority and the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF). Both sets of guidance are expected to be in place by 31 March 2027.