Participants in a study

Research is an important pillar of Ghent University. The results of scientific research have an impact on society at large, give new impulses to education and lay the foundation for a progressive knowledge society, in the public interest.

Why does Ghent University process data related to research?

The legal grounds of consent, necessary for the performance of a task in the public interest (as laid down in the Higher Education Code, among others) and legitimate interest of Ghent University or a third party are most often used at Ghent University in scientific research, as a legal basis for the lawful collection and processing of personal data.

If the data from the study is collected directly from the participant, the participant will be informed at the start of the study about what data will be collected, for what purpose and on what basis, for how long and whether the data will be shared with third parties.

Previously collected data can be further processed in the context of scientific research under the GDPR. If the data from the study is not collected directly from the participant, the persons whose data are processed will be informed individually again, if possible, about which data is involved, for what purpose and on what basis, for how long and whether the data will be shared with third parties.

If the provision of information proves impossible or would require a disproportionate effort, or if it risks making impossible or seriously compromising the achievement of the objectives of the study, appropriate measures shall be taken to protect the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of the participants, including the disclosure of the information.

The Generic Code of Conduct for the processing of personal data and confidential information in force at Ghent University sets out the general principles that must be respected in the context of scientific research and therefore within every research project.

The handling of personal data within scientific research at Ghent University falls under the broader policy of Research Data Management, which focuses on the collection, management and storage of research data in a high-quality manner. If there are ethical aspects associated with the processing of personal data, the research is always submitted to an ethics committee.

What personal data is processed in the context of research?

In the context of scientific research, researchers affiliated with Ghent University can collect, process, analyse and manage all kinds of personal data. Depending on the nature of the research, this may also include sensitive data (e.g. medical data, ethnicity/race, data relating to personal or sexual life,...).

The processing of data from participants in research is not done in a generic way, but depends on the research project from one research project to another. It is therefore possible that information about the processing of personal data in a specific project can be found on the project's website, in the information letter, in the registration form, etc. In addition, Ghent University tries to further process this data in anonymised or pseudonymised form where possible.

Further information

More information about how personal data should be handled in the context of research can be found here.

Contact

For questions, comments or suggestions about the processing of your research by Ghent University, you can contact the researchers concerned or the Data Protection Officer by e-mail via privacy@ugent.be.