Collaborative Projects
If data processing in a research project is carried out by another institution, a collaboration agreement must be established with that institution. If the processing is performed by a supplier, a data processing agreement must be signed. If the processing is part of a research collaboration, either a joint data controller agreement must be made, or the collaboration must be clearly defined in another way.
Resources
USN has a range of standard agreements for research collaboration (login required).
Contact
jurist.afi@usn.no
USN also has a dedicated unit for commercialization and innovation that assists researchers with IPR management, patenting, and spin-offs.
Multicenter Studies
The following rules apply to multicenter studies that fall under the Health Research Act and require approval from REK.
Multicenter studies are defined as “research projects conducted at multiple institutions simultaneously and according to the same protocol,” as stated in the regulation on the organization of medical and health research – Lovdata:
“A multicenter study must have one project manager. The project manager shall coordinate activities and ensure that prior approval is obtained from the relevant Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK), and ensure that the research-responsible party at the other participating institutions is informed about the research project before it begins.
In international multicenter studies, a designated Norwegian project manager must be appointed for the parts conducted in Norway, and this person is responsible for informing the participating Norwegian institutions accordingly.”
If a multicenter study involves the processing of personal data, the project must submit a notification form to Sikt. If several institutions use Sikt’s notification form, a joint form may be submitted for those institutions. The institutions must agree on which one will submit the form.
Resources
You can find standard templates for research collaboration in USN’s agreement portal for research projects (login required).
International Collaboration
The following rules for multicentre studies apply to health research projects subject to the Health Research Act and requiring approval from REK.
International research collaboration presents a number of issues and challenges. This is especially true regarding privacy, information security, and research ethics, as legal requirements and ethical standards can vary from country to country.
Researchers employed by a Norwegian research institution are obliged to follow Norwegian research ethical standards even when operating in countries with different ethical norms.
In international research projects, it is important to clarify rules and expectations with collaboration partners. Particular attention should be given to rules for data sharing and personal data protection.
Norway also has an export control regime designed to prevent goods, services, technology, and knowledge about technology from being exported in violation of Norwegian security and defence policy, or contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Resources
General information on export control and the routines at USN:
- Generell informasjon om eksportkontroll (Requires login) (Norwegian only).
- Avtaleportal for forskningsprosjekter (Requires login) (Norwegian only).
- Guidance for employees planning a work stay abroad or hosting international visitors (Requires login)
- The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills has developed guidelines for universities and university colleges on Responsible International Collaboration.
- In 2021, the National Research Ethics Committee for Medicine and Health Sciences issued a guidance document on medical and health research in low- and middle-income countries.
- USN is a member of several international networks (Requires login) for cooperation and collaboration in education and research.
- The Cape Town Statement on fairness, equity and diversity in research