Research integrity and ethics
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At UCLouvain, scientific integrity and ethics are fundamental values that guide research, teaching, and social engagement. True to its mission, UCLouvain promotes a scientific approach grounded in rigor, transparency, and accountability, while respecting individuals and society.
Research integrity
UCLouvain must uphold the scientific integrity of its researchers and provide them with a respectful, ethical environment conducive to conducting research in full confidence. To guide this approach, UCLouvain has adopted a research ethics policy inspired by the guidelines on integrity in scientific research established under the auspices of the F.R.S.-FNRS. These regulations apply to the entire institution, across its seven campuses, and concern every member of the university community involved in research activities, regardless of their status.
The implementation of these regulations is overseen by the Research Ethics Committee (Commission de déontologie de la recherche), established by the Academic Council of UCLouvain. As an advisory and recommendations committee, it assists the Vice-Rectorate for Personnel Policy in certain disciplinary investigations and submits recommendations to the Academic Council regarding research ethics. However, it cannot be directly approached by members of the community or potential complainants.
UCLouvain is also a member of the Council for Scientific Integrity (Conseil Supérieur d'Intégrité Scientifique (CSIS)), established within the Royal Academies of Belgium. The CSIS is tasked with issuing recommendations and opinions on matters of scientific integrity, either on its own initiative or at the request of scientific organizations. It may act as a second-opinion body after an institutional scientific integrity committee has issued an initial opinion on a case of alleged violation or has decided not to rule on the matter. Such a request may be submitted by the institution concerned, the person who initiated the referral, or the person whose integrity is in question.
Research ethics
UCLouvain encourages its researchers to adopt a rigorous scientific approach that respects fundamental ethical principles and is mindful of the societal impact of their work.
To promote, support, and ensure compliance with ethical standards in research practices, UCLouvain has established several reference bodies over time, primarily at the level of sectors and institutes. These committees address both legal requirements regarding research ethics and the practical needs expressed by researchers in the field.
In the context of research projects involving, in particular, human participants, sensitive data, biological samples, animals, or environmental and societal impacts, these committees have the authority—each within its specific field—to evaluate, issue an opinion, and, where appropriate, grant approval or ethical certification.
These bodies play an essential role in preventing ethical risks, protecting people and animals, and promoting responsible research that respects human and environmental values.
Ethics committees to contact, depending on the relevant field:
Ethics questions that cannot be answered by the above committees can be sent to ethics@uclouvain.be. These questions are dealt with by the Research Council.