BACKGROUND: To ensure ethical oversight, researchers wanting to conduct "research" involving human beings are typically required to obtain prior approval from an independent ethics committee. However, it can sometimes be unclear if a project needs to be submitted for ethics approval. Swiss researchers can contact research ethics committees via a "jurisdictional inquiry" for clarification whether a project needs to be submitted for ethics approval.
AIMS OF THE STUDY:(1) To examine the characteristics of Swiss jurisdictional inquiries, and (2) to identify possible uncertainties regarding the correct interpretation of existing legislation in Switzerland.
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