Abstract

The University of Helsinki is in the implementation phase of developing ‘MyResearch’, a digital service platform for researchers. MyResearch aims to support researchers in planning, maintaining, and storing compliance documentation for research projects. In addition, it enables academic unit leaders to use this information in risk management and RMA’s in providing their services. As a result, the project promotes responsible research and academic integrity at the University of Helsinki.

MyResearch project addresses the current challenges of scattered document management. Compliance documents include research plans, data management plans, privacy notices, data protection impact assessments, information sheets, consent forms, ethics review statements, research permits, contracts, and other relevant documents. Currently, the creation of these documents is not properly supported, and lots of manual work is required. Documents are managed in multiple locations and cannot be effectively used in risk management and later when opening the data. At the minimum, documents are needed to demonstrate that the university complies with legislation.

By centralizing documentation, MyResearch ensures compliance with legislation and reduces the manual workload for researchers and support services. The service provides clear, up-to-date instructions and templates through a single interface, ensuring researchers meet all ethical and legal requirements in their research. Centralized approach allows research project documentation to be managed in one place, accessible to researcher and readable by the RMA’s providing support. In addition, the MyResearch service provides a platform for requesting an ethical review, and researchers can access previously stored documents as they request for an ethical review statement.

The University of Helsinki’s strategic goal is to streamline university services through digitalization and customer-oriented development. This approach not only improves service processes but also enhances customer understanding, which is crucial for effective service management. When a comprehensive university organisation aims for customer-driven development, successes are first found in individual projects. The MyResearch project was implemented in a cross-sectoral collaboration with the participation of researchers. At its conclusion, the project will hopefully feed into a wider digital transformation that will both strengthen research capabilities at the university and enable RMA experts to focus on substance in their services. By freeing researchers from the fragmented search for ethical and legal compliance guidelines, the university will enhance the quality and accountability of its research and promote responsible research practices. To achieve such a transformation will require continued regenerative leadership and conscious development of RMA services beyond the project.