19 June 2025

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences has taken a significant step towards responsible and integrity-orientated research with the inaugural meeting of the newly founded Research Ethics Committee (FEK). The independent commission was established on the basis of the statutes of 4 February 2024 and is intended to ensure the ethical justifiability of research projects at the university in future.

The President of the university, Prof Dr Jörg Wagner, appointed five founding members of the FEK for a term of office of three years. The commission is made up of

• Dr Maik Arnold
• Dr rer. nat. Uta Breuer
• Andrea Kenkmann
• Dr Stefan Kunde-Siegel
• Dr Jiayi Wang

At their first meeting, the members defined the procedure and working methods and accepted the first project applications. Prof Dr Maik Arnold was elected chairman of the commission, his deputy is Prof Dr rer. nat. Uta Breuer.

The FEK examines research projects involving human subjects or sensitive personal data on the basis of applicable legal principles and recognised guidelines for good scientific practice. It prepares expert opinions and makes recommendations to ensure a high ethical standard in research.

By establishing the FEK, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is strengthening the trust of funding organisations and the public in its research projects. It supports researchers in the planning and realisation of complex studies and sends a clear signal of scientific responsibility.

Prof. Dr Maik Arnold, Chairman of the committee, emphasises: "With the Research Ethics Committee, we are creating a transparent and reliable framework to promote responsible research at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences in the long term."