Etikprövningsmyndigheten

Etikprövningsmyndigheten is the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. It is a government agency responsible for reviewing applications for ethical approval of research involving humans, human biological samples, and human health data. The authority's primary purpose is to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of research participants.

The agency was established in 2003, consolidating ethical review functions that were previously decentralized. Its operations are governed by the Act on Ethical Review of Research Involving Humans. Etikprövningsmyndigheten's work is crucial for ensuring that research is conducted responsibly and ethically, adhering to international standards and legal requirements.

Applications for ethical review are submitted to the authority before research can commence. A multidisciplinary board within Etikprövningsmyndigheten assesses the research plan, considering aspects such as informed consent, data protection, risk assessment, and the potential benefits of the research. If the research is deemed ethically sound, approval is granted. Conversely, if ethical concerns are identified, the authority may request modifications or deny the application.

The work of Etikprövningsmyndigheten contributes to public trust in research and helps maintain high ethical standards within the scientific community in Sweden. The authority also provides guidance and information on ethical issues related to research.