The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK) has published a new national recommendation titled Artificial Intelligence in Research: Research Integrity and Ethical Principles, offering comprehensive guidance on the ethical use of AI across research disciplines.
Published in June 2026 in both Finnish and English, the recommendation provides researchers and institutions with practical frameworks to identify, assess, and manage ethical risks associated with artificial intelligence in research design, data analysis, and dissemination. A Swedish version is expected to follow later in the year.
The rapid integration of AI into academic research has transformed workflows in areas such as data processing, analysis, and academic writing. However, TENK warns that these developments also introduce complex ethical challenges, including questions around research reliability, data governance, participant rights, and broader societal and environmental impacts.
Despite the technological disruption, the recommendation emphasizes a consistent principle: core research ethics remain unchanged. The foundational values of reliability, honesty, respect, and accountability continue to apply regardless of the tools used. Importantly, responsibility for the validity and conclusions of research remains with the researcher, even when AI systems are involved.
The guidance covers both the use of AI as a research tool and its development within research environments. It offers recommendations for universities and research organizations on transparency in AI usage, data management standards, research assessment practices, AI literacy, and ethical review procedures.
The recommendation was developed under TENK’s Research Ethics of Artificial Intelligence project, funded by Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture and conducted between 2023 and 2026.
According to Simo Kyllönen, chair of the working group and university lecturer, the goal is to help researchers apply established ethical principles in a rapidly changing technological environment.
“AI offers new opportunities for research, but it also brings new ethical questions. AI can support research in many ways, but it does not replace the researcher’s own judgement, expertise, or responsibility,” Kyllönen noted. “The recommendation provides researchers, research organisations and ethics committees with tools for assessing ethical issues and risks associated with the use of AI.”
TENK stated that the new guidance complements its existing research ethics and integrity frameworks and will apply broadly across research, development, and innovation activities involving AI. The organisation also confirmed it will continue monitoring developments in both AI technology and research practices, updating the recommendation as needed to ensure ongoing relevance.
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