Based on the needs described in the report on the handling of allegations of research misconduct, ethical issues, and register-based research at Stockholm University, the Vice-Chancellor has decided to establish an ethics council at Stockholm University, which will begin its operations on 1 July 2014.
This body will operate autonomously under the Vice-Chancellor and comprise the following members: the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the deans of the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Science, and the teacher representatives on the University Board. The Ethics Council may co-opt persons with attendance and speaking rights.
The Ethics Council will be led by a chair. This position will alternate between the Deputy Vice-Chancellors every six months. During an ongoing investigation into allegations of research misconduct, the chairmanship should be held by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor whose disciplinary domain is not related to the case. One or two people from the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, at least one of whom is a legal officer, will serve as a secretariat with administrative and operational responsibilities.
The Ethics Council shall be responsible for investigating allegations of research misconduct and submitting proposals for decisions to the Vice-Chancellor. The Council shall have University-wide responsibility for training and dissemination of information in the field of ethics, and should thus aim for a consistent level of knowledge across the University.
In addition, the Ethics Council will serve an advisory function on ethical issues and work at the Vice-Chancellor’s request. The Council should continuously monitor developments in the field of ethics on behalf of the University, both nationally and internationally, and propose the incorporation of relevant recommendations and guidelines into the University’s activities.
The Council’s responsibilities include contacting other ethics councils or committees at other universities, as well as other relevant parties, both nationally and internationally, in order to exchange experiences and engage in a joint effort towards a uniform view on research ethics and misconduct. Furthermore, the Ethics Council will be responsible for University guidelines on dealing with allegations of research misconduct, as well as other relevant internal documents, such as the ethics policy.