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Research ethics – Bachelor/Master thesis

When you complete a Bachelor or Master thesis at NMBU, your work must be ethically sound and follow good scientific practice. On this page you will find guidance on important research ethics topics.

  • What is research ethics?

    Research ethics is a set of values and norms concerning

    • good scientific practice
    • respecting and safeguarding the rights of those affected by research (humans or animals)
    • the broader societal role and responsibility of research

    Research ethics is a tool to ensure that research is carried out responsibly, and covers many different topics, such as recognizing others' contributions through good citation practice and co-authorship, considering the interests of people or animals affected by the research, presenting one's findings in a truthful and balanced way, and much more. Good research ethical practice is an essential fundament for research of high quality and integrity.

    Research ethical norms and guidance may sometimes give you easy and straightforward answers, but more often it provides you with tools to help dealing with and reflect upon ethical dilemmas in a responsible manner.

  • Who defines good research ethics?

    Values and norms for good research ethics are to a large extent defined by the research community itself.

    Standards and guidelines for research ethics have been developed, both general and subject specific. In Norway, The national research ethics committees, develop national research ethics guidelines.

    In addition, NMBU has its own ethical guidelines and a Research Ethics Committee. Some research disciplines have developed their own international ethical standards for research.

    To promote ethically sound research, you need a good culture and an active and continuous discussion about research ethics topics and dilemmas in the individual research groups.

    NMBU has a research ethics forum, to provide an arena to discuss research ethics.

    Research ethics is also regulated through various laws and regulations, the most important being the Research Ethics Act, regulations on the use of animals in experiments, the Health Research Act and the Personal Data Act. For certain research projects, it will be necessary to obtain ethical approval before starting the work.

  • Who is responsible for the research being ethically sound in a Bachelor/Master thesis?

    The individual researcher at NMBU must ensure that his/her research takes place in accordance with recognized research ethical norms. NMBU's ethical guidelines and the national research ethical guidelines are the key ethical norms to consider.

    Responsibility for the research ethics in a degree thesis is shared between the supervisor, the student and the NMBU.

    Your supervisor has the overall responsibility for research ethics in the work for the thesis. Your supervisor must guide you in designing the research and give feedback on your work. This includes any research ethics topic that is relevant to your work. The supervisor is responsible for transmitting the basic norms of research ethics that apply to your subject. Your supervisor should also guide you on how to find the information you need, what kind of approval(s) you may need and what aspects of your thesis require special ethical attention.

    You also have an independent responsibility yourself for ensuring that the work on your Bachelor/Master thesis is carried out in an ethically sound manner. You must familiarize yourself with relevant research ethics issues, guidelines, and necessary approvals (if applicable).

    Be aware that the values of research ethics give you not only responsibilities, but also rights as a contributor to the research at the university.

    NMBU has the overall responsibility for ensuring that all research is carried out in accordance with recognized research ethics norms. The institution must ensure that the staff and students have the necessary knowledge and training, ensure good guidelines and routines, and provide guidance and advice where necessary.

  • Where can you get guidance, advice and training?

    As mentioned above, it is your supervisor’s responsibility to guide you on the research ethics issues relevant to your thesis work.

    Research ethics is included in several courses at NMBU. Some examples are FHV315, MINA311, EDS312, DYR202.

    If you and your supervisor are dealing with a difficult ethics question or dilemma connected to your thesis work, we encourage you to bring it up for discussion in your professional environment. An important piece of advice is to be at the forefront and tackle the questions before the research is carried out, when it’s still possible to make the good choices.

    There are also other opportunities to get advice on specific issues. NMBU's research ethics forum is an arena where research ethics issues can be discussed. You can also ask for advice from NMBU's Research Ethics Committee. In addition, you may contact the national research ethics committees and ask for advice in individual cases.