Health Research in Student Projects
The level of responsibility a student may assume for research ethics and data protection, under supervision, will vary depending on the academic level or degree in question. There is a significant difference between what a bachelor’s student, a master’s student, and a PhD candidate can be responsible for.
It is also useful to distinguish between independent student projects and those that are part of a larger research project.
It is important to note that in student projects, the supervisor acts as the head of project and is ultimately responsible for data protection, research ethics, safeguarding research participants, and the student’s rights.
Is it necessary to collect new data?
It is always important to assess whether it is necessary to collect personal data or involve research participants in student projects. Certain groups of people are frequently studied, and research can be burdensome; therefore, the usefulness of the project and the availability of alternatives to collecting new data should be carefully considered.
Many researchers share research data during or after the completion of their projects. As a result, increasing amounts of data are openly available and can be used for student assignments.
Resources
- Where can you find research data?
- Find data
- Conducting a project without processing personal data
- Policy for open research
- Open research
Contact regarding access to and use of research data
Students Participating in Larger Research Projects
When students are part of a larger research project, the head of project is responsible for ensuring that the student possesses the competence required to carry out the assigned tasks. In such projects, it is also important to establish clear agreements regarding the use of research data and potential co-authorship.
It is essential that the head of project has a clear understanding of their role and distinguishes between their role as supervisor and as head of project. Project heads and supervisors are in an asymmetric power relationship with students and must not misuse their position. For example, the head of project may not use any part of the student’s work without an explicit agreement. Furthermore, the project leader is responsible for safeguarding the student’s rights.
For students writing assignments based on a health research project, the publication of bachelor’s or master’s theses must be reviewed together with the head of project. An embargo on the publication of project results, for example, may be determined as necessary.
Resources
Student Assignments, Bachelor’s Theses, and Coursework Requirements
These guidelines apply to health research and therefore do not cover student assignments, bachelor's theses, or coursework requirements.
It should, however, be emphasised that sensitive personal data should not be collected for student assignments of a less extensive character.
If personal data is to be processed as part of a coursework requirement, it is generally not necessary to apply to Sikt. For such assignments, the course coordinator must consult the Data Protection Officer regarding the use of personal data. See the separate section in the guidelines for processing personal data.
For such student assignments, the student’s supervisor and the course coordinator act as the heads of project and have overall responsibility for data protection, research ethics, safeguarding research participants, as well as the student’s rights.
For bachelor's projects, the supervisor functions as the head of project. Sensitive personal data should not be collected in bachelor's projects.
The supervisor is responsible for data protection, research ethics, safeguarding research participants, as well as the rights of the student.
Both supervisors and students must familiarise themselves with the rules for collecting personal data, obtaining consent, safeguarding the rights of research participants, and the responsible processing of research data.
Master’s Projects
For master’s projects, the supervisor functions as the project leader.
Sensitive personal data should be avoided whenever possible in master’s degree projects. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to assess whether the collection of such data is necessary.
The supervisor is responsible for data protection, research ethics, safeguarding research participants, as well as the rights of the student.
Both the supervisor and the student must familiarise themselves with the rules for collecting personal data, obtaining consent, safeguarding the rights of research participants, and responsible processing of research data.
Doctoral Projects
For doctoral projects, the PhD candidate may act as the head of project, for example, in applications to Sikt. However, this does not apply to health research projects covered by the Health Research Act. In such projects, doctoral-level competence or equivalent is normally required to serve as head of project.
Both the supervisor and the candidate must familiarise themselves with the rules for collecting personal data, obtaining consent, safeguarding the rights of research participants, and responsible processing of research data.