Research ethics

The course description can be read on our student websites (student.oslomet.no).

This course is primarily for students enrolled in a PhD programme. Pending availability, applicants with a master’s degree or equivalent (120 ECTS) will be considered for admission.

We do not process applications without the following required attachments:

• All applicants must submit a short summary of their research project.
• If you are enrolled in a PhD programme outside of OsloMet you must provide a certified statement of admission.

Please upload required attachments in the “My documents” section in Søknadsweb.

Fall 2026

To apply for this course, submit your application via Søknadsweb (fsweb.no).

Application deadline: October 1. 

The course is listed in Søknadsweb under the section “PhD courses – SPS Autumn 2025”.

All classes are held from 09:00 until 15:00 on the following dates:

• October 22-23.
• October 26-27.

OsloMet reserves the right to adjust the scheduled program in the event of unforeseen events. OsloMet cannot reimburse individual expenses as a result of cancellations or other changes in the course program.

The assigned readings for this course are grouped into two main categories. First, readings that cover our current research ethics framework, consisting of established guidelines and recommendations, as well as background readings from a textbook by Shamoo and Resnik. Second, articles and reports that go more in depth into select topics, ordered into four thematic subcategories. In our meetings we do not delve into the readings directly, but focus on dilemmas, ethical reasoning and discussions using perspectives and norms reflected in the readings, available guidelines and other resources. 

Framework and background 

• Forskningsetikkloven (Norwegian Research Ethics Act) available here (in Norwegian): https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2017-04-28-23
• The European code of conduct for research integrity (2003), All European Academies (ALLEA)
  Norwegian National Committee for Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and the Humanities (2021). “Guidelines for Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and the Humanities” (5th ed). (36 pages)
• Norwegian National Committee for Research Ethics in Sciences and Technology (2016). “Guidelines for Research Ethics in Science and Technology” (2nd ed). (24 pages)
• World Medical Association (2013). Declaration of Helsinki – Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. (10th ed). (4 pages).
• Shamoo, A.E., & Resnik, D.B. (2022). Responsible conduct of research. 4th ed. Oxford University Press. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 12. (136 pages)

Theme 1: Research integrity and open science

• Higginson AD, Munafò MR (2016) Current Incentives for Scientists Lead to Underpowered Studies with Erroneous Conclusions. PLoS Biol 14(11): e2000995.
• Camerer, C.F., Dreber, A., Holzmeister, F. et al. Evaluating the replicability of social science experiments in Nature and Science between 2010 and 2015. Nat Hum Behav 2, 637–644 (2018).
• Lappegard Hauge, Åshild, Guro Brokke Omland & Gulnaz Anjum (2024) Project report: “Open Science and Qualitative Methods”

Theme 2: Research participants and relations

• Montreal statement on Research Integrity in Cross-Boundary Research Collaborations
• Taquette, Stella R. and Luciana Maria Borges da Matta Souza (2022) «Ethical Dilemmas in Qualitative Research: A Critical Literature Review» in International Journal of Qualitative Methods Volume 21: 1–15.
• De Vries, R. G., Rott, L. M., & Paruchuri, Y. (2010). “Normative environments of international science.” In M. S. Anderson & N. H. Steneck (eds.), International research collaborations. Much to be gained, many ways to get in trouble. Routledge. (16 pages)
• Thomas-Hughes, H. (2018) “Ethical ‘mess’ in co-produced research: reflections from a U.K.-based case study.” International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 21(2), 231-242. (11 pages)

Theme 3: The use of AI in research

• Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research, ERA Forum Stakeholders’ document, The European Commission
• Messeri, L., Crockett, M.J. (2024) «Artificial intelligence and illusions of understanding in scientific research». Nature 627, 49–58.

Theme 4: Dissemination and social responsibility

• The vancouver recommendations: ICMJE: Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors
• UNESCO. World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) «The precautionary principle», chapters 1 & 2 and sectiona 3.1 and 4.1
• Douglas, H. (2008). The role of values in expert reasoning. Public Affairs Quarterly 22(1), 1-18. (18 pages)

Participants that have successfully completed the course can order a transcript of records via StudentWeb (fsweb.no) or Vitnemålsportalen (vitnemålsportalen.no).

More information about transcript of records and diplomas (student.oslomet.no).