Under RSU’s leadership, Latvian universities join forces for shared management of informed consent in student research
On 18 June, Rīga Stradiņš University organised a meeting on the activities planned under Work Package No. 2 (WP2) “Personal Data Management in Student Research” of the Study Process Digitalisation project. The meeting brought together representatives from all interested higher education institutions.
At the meeting, the key functional requirements for the informed consent management platform for student research were presented ahead of the launch of the procurement, and proposals from the involved parties were heard. The aim of the platform is to replace the currently widespread practice of managing informed consent with a secure, digital system.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a process in which a person voluntarily agrees to take part in research only after it has been clearly explained to them what will happen, why it will happen, and what will happen to their personal data. It is not merely a formality – it is an honest conversation with the participant, in which they are first informed and given explanations, then the person considers the matter, and only then agrees or declines.
Justīne Krūmiņa, Lead Expert and Work Package Content Manager: “Informed consent is not just a document – it is a mechanism of respect, transparency, and trust between the university, the researcher, and the research participant. The new platform will make this process manageable, more secure, and easier to understand.”
Informed consent applies to any research or activity that involves a person and their data, not only in the medical field. It may also apply to other forms of academic research.
Project progress and next steps
Within the Work Package, an analysis of the informed consent processes of the participating universities and identification of functional requirements are being carried out, along with experience-exchange meetings at the international level. In parallel, training materials on personal data security and protection are being developed, which will soon be presented to students at RSU, the University of Latvia, and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
Presentations and video recording: on the RSU website
The activity is part of a project co-financed by the European Social Fund and the state (No. 4.2.2.11/1/25/I/001). Its aim is to introduce modern shared-use solutions that will ensure a flexible study process and enhance the competitiveness of Latvia’s higher education institutions. The project is implemented by the association The Higher Education and Science Information Technology Shared Services Centre in cooperation with the science universities: the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Rīga Stradiņš University, and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
