etiikkaneuvoston

Etiikkaneuvosto is a common term in Finnish organizations for a body that handles ethical questions and promotes ethical governance. A typical etiikkaneuvosto is established within a university, hospital, research institute, municipality or ministry to advise on questions where values, rights and interests may be at stake, such as research ethics, data protection, animal welfare and conflicts of interest.

Functions include providing ethical opinions on proposed activities, reviewing research plans or project proposals for compliance with ethical standards, developing guidelines and codes of conduct, organizing training on ethics, and monitoring adherence to agreed principles. It may also handle complaints or concerns about ethical issues and coordinate with other oversight bodies.

Composition usually involves members from diverse backgrounds: researchers, clinicians, ethicists, legal experts, and lay representatives to ensure public trust. Members are typically appointed for fixed terms and operate with confidentiality.

Procedures often include regular meetings, decision-making by majority vote, and the issuance of written opinions or recommendations. Some activities may require formal approval by the council, while others are advisory in nature.

Relation to broader governance: etiikkaneuvosto operates under the institution’s rules and, where applicable, national guidelines on research integrity and ethics. It is not a replacement for external regulatory authorities but complements them by providing context-specific guidance and oversight.

Examples: in Finnish higher education and health sectors there are ethics councils responsible for research ethics and patient-related matters; the exact mandate and powers vary by organization.