Etikprövningsnämnd

Etikprövningsnämnd, often translated as the Ethical Review Authority or Ethical Review Board, is a Swedish governmental body responsible for reviewing research involving humans, human biological samples, and human biological material. Its primary purpose is to ensure that such research is conducted ethically and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, prioritizing the integrity, safety, and well-being of the research participants.

The board assesses research proposals to determine if they meet ethical standards, which include aspects like informed consent, data protection, risk assessment, and the potential benefits of the research. The Ethical Review Authority operates under the Swedish Act concerning the Ethical Review of Research Involving Humans. This legislation mandates that all research involving human subjects must undergo ethical review before commencement.

Applications for ethical approval are submitted by researchers or research institutions. The Ethical Review Authority then assigns the application to a case officer and, if necessary, to an expert for detailed review. The board's decisions are based on these reviews and can result in approval, approval with conditions, or rejection of the research proposal. The Authority plays a crucial role in safeguarding ethical principles in scientific research conducted in Sweden.