The Ethikkommission Lippstadt reviews research projects involving human subjects and ensures that they comply with ethical standards to protect the well-being of participants and promote responsible research.
The Ethics Committee aims to promote ethically sound conduct in science. A central task is the review of research projects involving human participants. Through these reviews, we ensure that scientific work complies with applicable ethical standards, and it offers guidance to researchers to help properly consider ethical aspects and minimize risks.
Research projects that collect personal data or involve human participants undergo a thorough review. This review ensures that all research activities comply with ethical guidelines and that the well-being of participants is protected at all times. Each project is individually assessed for ethical soundness to ensure that both the rights and health of those involved are safeguarded.
The Ethics Committee bases its work not on philosophical considerations, but on clearly defined norms for ethics committees. These norms specify how researchers must design their projects to meet the highest ethical standards. Adhering to these standards is crucial for strengthening public trust in scientific research and preventing misuse.
Among the most important standards is the requirement to minimize health risks for participants as much as possible. In addition, participants must be fully informed, and their consent must be given voluntarily. These principles ensure that research standards are upheld. Researchers must ensure that their projects meet these requirements before starting in order to avoid legal and ethical conflicts.
For researchers, it is essential to consider the possibility of an ethical review by the committee if their project involves the collection of personal data or the participation of human subjects. The Ethics Committee not only protects participants but also provides a safeguard for the researchers themselves. By ensuring that standards are met, the committee helps to ensure that scientific work is socially accepted and legally secured.
Researchers who wish to have a project reviewed by the Ethics Committee will find all relevant information here regarding the application process and the required documents.
All researchers are welcome to submit applications to our Ethics Committee, regardless of their position or institutional affiliation. It is advisable to allow sufficient time for the ethical review of research projects. Please note that data collection may only begin after approval has been granted. Therefore, submit your application at least two weeks before the start of your research or before any funding deadlines.
Use the provided application form and submit your ethics application as a PDF. The document should be clearly labeled and include the necessary materials such as 'General Participant Information' and the 'Informed Consent Form.' Additional attachments, such as funding applications, should be included if applicable to complete the submission.
The file name of the application should follow the format Year_Month_Day_Ethics_LastName.pdf. The date corresponds to the date of submission, and the last name refers to the responsible project lead. This standardized formatting ensures that the application can be properly assigned and efficiently processed.
If changes to already approved ethics applications are necessary, they must be communicated in advance. Please provide the name of the ethics application as well as the reference code of the Ethics Committee as stated in the official statement. Explain the planned changes and their reasons to ensure the amendment is properly assigned.
It is important that all changes are communicated in advance. A retrospective notification may result in the withdrawal of the ethics approval and require a new review process. Depending on the scope, the processing time for amendments can take up to one month. Please plan accordingly.
For the review of studies by the independent Ethics Committee Lippstadt, a fee of 60 euros is charged. This fee becomes applicable upon scheduling the first meeting in which the committee begins to evaluate the application in detail.
Expert opinions required in connection with the review may either be submitted by the applicant or commissioned by the Ethics Committee. In the latter case, a fee of 100 euros per started hour of work will be charged.
All expenses incurred by the Ethics Committee will be fully passed on to the applicant.
The Ethics Committee may, at its discretion, exempt the applicant fully or partially from the obligation to pay fees.
Eine Gebührenbefreiung oder -ermäßigung kann auf schriftlichen Antrag des Antragstellers gewährt werden.
A fee exemption or reduction may be granted upon written request by the applicant. The decision on whether to grant a fee exemption or reduction lies with the executive board. There is no legal entitlement to a fee exemption or reduction.
The request for a fee exemption or reduction must be submitted together with the application for review.
The Ethics Committee may issue the applicant an advance invoice before beginning the review of the application. Processing of the application is dependent on payment of this advance.
After the procedure is completed, the applicant will receive a final invoice. Any unused advance payments will be refunded
The applicant’s payment obligations become due upon invoicing.
Our Ethics Committee brings together a wide range of members — from students and academic staff to professors — representing both international and national contexts, with diverse backgrounds and sociocultural perspectives.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application process, our Ethics Committee team will be happy to help. You can reach us by email:
For applications and questions regarding applications – antrag@ethikkommission-lippstadt.de
For all other inquiries – office@ethikkommision-lippstadt.de
Rolevinckstr. 31
59555 Lippstadt
