Scientific Ombudsmen (Vetenskapliga ombud)
Karolinska Institutet (KI) has decided on the assignment and framework for the function Scientific Ombudsmen, which will take effect on 1 January 2026. KI's Scientific Ombudsmen work to promote good research practice at KI by offering support, advice, and guidance on issues related to research ethics, good research practice, and scientific integrity.
The role is advisory and based on mutual trust. The ombudsman acts impartially, with sound judgment and discretion in sensitive matters. The scientific ombudsman does not hold any line management responsibilities but serves as a colleague and resource for staff and participates in the work of the Committee for Ethics and Good Research Practice.
KI has expanded the Scientific Ombudsman function into a collective of three representatives. Collaboration among the representatives enhances quality and shared competence, facilitates mutual consultation, and enables an efficient distribution of cases based on workload or potential conflicts of interest. With one representative assigned per group of departments, the work contributes to a cohesive and preventive development of ethical awareness within each group. The ombudsmen are appointed by KI’s President and operate independently of departmental management.
Assignment of KI’s Scientific Ombudsmen
The responsibilities of the scientific ombudsman include:
- Actively contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and awareness of research ethics codes, relevant laws, regulations, rules, and guidelines governing scientific activities.
- Serving as an accessible and independent discussion partner for researchers, providing guidance and advice on matters related to research ethics and good research practice, including responsible internationalisation and ethical aspects of external relations.
- In cases of suspected research misconduct, reporting to KI’s Council for the Investigation of Deviations from Good Research Practice and KI’s Chief Legal Counsel.
- Serving as a member of the Committee for Ethics and Good Research Practice.
- Keeping the Committee for Ethics and Good Research Practice continuously informed about their activities and providing an annual written report.
- Reporting to other relevant persons or bodies when appropriate.
Term of Appointment
The assignment as a scientific ombudsman corresponds to 20% of a full-time position and is valid for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension following an evaluation of the assignment’s implementation and continued need.