The University Ethics Committee supports researchers at the University of Basel in assessing and ensuring the ethical acceptability of their research projects, provided that they do not fall under the Human Research Act (HRA), the Stem Cell Research Act (StRA), the Animal Welfare Act (AniWA), the Nagoya Protocol, and the Containment Ordinance (ContainO).

The Committee operates under a new name, Research Ethics Committee (KFE), and new Regulations.

As of now, certain types of research projects are subject to mandatory review. If your research project meets at least one of the following criteria, it must be submitted to the KFE for review (Regulations KFE, § 3 Ziff. 2 lit. a-e):

• Research projects involving minors, vulnerable persons, or persons lacking the capacity to consent;
• Research projects in which sensitive personal data are processed;
• Research projects in contexts with high risks for researchers, participants, and third parties, for example, projects in conflict zones, or authoritarian or fragile contexts;
• Research projects involving high risks to the environment;
• Research projects that fall under the Regulations on particularly risky research.

If your project is affected by the provisions and you are considering a review by the KFE, please consult the Regulations and the accompanying guidelines. 

All projects submitted to a funding agency after November 1 are subject to the provisions of the regulations. 

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the KFE Managing Director at kfe@clutterunibas.ch or consult the KFE website.