It is very important that the research work is ethical, no one is harmed by it and the collected data is kept safe and is used only for scientific purposes. In 2017, EMTA joined the Estonian Code of Conduct for Research Integrity of research and development institutions and in 2021 approved EMTA’s principles of academic ethics and good research practice.

The Research Ethics Committee of EMTA was established in 2010, and its composition is confirmed for every four years by the rector’s directive. The current committee is as follows: Marju Raju (head of the committee), Aare Tool, Brigitta Davidjants and Kaari Kiitsak-Prikk.

The Ethics Committee of EMTA issues permits for scientific research to EMTA researchers, lecturers, doctoral students and students. The academic supervisor applies for a permit for undergraduate and master’s student theses. Doctoral students apply for the permit themselves.

As a general rule, empirical research that involves gathering data about human subjects necessitates obtaining permission from the Ethics Committee. Such research methods commonly include survey and interview techniques, as well as observation and experimentation.

Ethics committee approval is necessary when requesting particular background information from research participants or when recruiting individuals based on specific background information and/or when the research questions concern these subjects.

Special categories of personal data include information which may disclose a participant’s racial or ethnic origin (including nationality), political views, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, health data (including medical diagnoses), or data relating to their sexual life and orientation (further details can be found here).

In all cases, regardless of the subject matter, approval from the Ethics Committee is required when the research subjects are minors.

Contact: Marju Raju, marju.raju@eamt.ee