For the CIMCYC, our research must be conducted while preserving the dignity, safety and well-being of our technical and research staff, the individuals participating in experiments and any non-human animals that may be used. All research developed at the center must comply with current criteria related to ethics and data protection regulations. We recognize that by promoting transparency and accountability in our projects, we strengthen public confidence in the work of the CIMCYC.
This section contains information on the regulations, procedures, and resources necessary to comply with the protocols and principles of research ethics and integrity.
CIMCYC Ethics and Integrity Guide
This guide has been designed as an essential and practical tool for the CIMCYC researchers involved in research projects that include human participation.
Its objective is to break down the process—before, during and after the research—to satisfactorily comply with ethical and scientific integrity standards.
To access the guide, a University of Granada email account (@go.ur.es) is required.
Templates and Resources
Below you will find an infographic that summarizes the "step-by-step" process for complying with ethics and integrity standards when researching with human beings. You will also find the link to download templates for the "Informed Consent Form," "Participant Information Sheet" and "Final Information Sheet," which can serve as a guide for adapting the necessary documents for the relevant study's approval application to the Human Research Ethics Committee.
To access the documents, a University of Granada email account (@go.ur.es) is required.
Declaration of Helsinki
The Declaration of Helsinki (2024; current version) establishes fundamental ethical principles for research involving human participants. Its main objective is to ensure that the health, well-being and rights of participants prevail over any scientific interest.
All research must have clear and voluntary informed consent, approved by an independent ethics committee that supervises the study. It requires minimizing risks and justifying that the benefits outweigh potential harm, in addition to offering special protection to vulnerable populations.
Transparency is key: studies must be publicly registered and their results, whether positive or negative, must be communicated. It also promotes equity in the distribution of benefits and burdens, scientific integrity (including the prohibition of misconduct) and the declaration of conflicts of interest.
The current version incorporates measures for digital environments and health emergencies without compromising the essential ethical principles.
Organic Law 3/2018 - Data Protection - Spain
Organic Law 3/2018 on Personal Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights (LOPDGDD stands for Ley Orgánica 3/2018 de Protección de Datos Personales y Garantía de los Derechos Digitales) adapts Spanish regulation to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Its main objective is to ensure that individuals maintain control over their personal data and that organizations process it securely, transparently and responsibly.
The law establishes that data processing must comply with principles such as lawfulness, fairness, transparency, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation and confidentiality. Consent must be free, informed and explicit, and special cases are regulated, such as the processing of data belonging to minors (who can give their consent from the age of 14).
It recognizes fundamental rights: access, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), restriction of processing, objection and data portability. Furthermore, it incorporates new digital rights, such as digital disconnection, network neutrality, digital testament and protection against automated decisions.
The law requires data controllers and processors to implement security measures, conduct impact assessments, report security breaches, and, in many cases, appoint a data protection officer. It also establishes a sanctioning regime for non-compliance and corrective mechanisms.
In summary, the LOPDGDD reinforces data protection as a fundamental right and ensures that personal information is used with respect, transparency, and guarantees for citizens.