Ethics & Securities
Our commitment to responsible research — protecting participants, data, animals, and the environment in every aspect of the INNOECOFOOD project.
Responsible Research at the Core
INNOECOFOOD is committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity across all research activities. From the design of consumer studies to laboratory testing and animal research, we adhere to European and international regulations that protect human participants, personal data, animal welfare, and the environment.
Our approach is built on free and informed consent, transparent data handling under GDPR, the 3Rs principles for animal research, and strict laboratory safety protocols. Diversity and gender-aware recruitment is embedded in every stakeholder engagement.
Regulatory Framework
All research activities comply with GDPR (EU 2016/679), the Market Research Society's code of professional conduct, and national permits for animal research where applicable.
Our Ethical Pillars
Human Participants & Data Protection
Every individual participating in INNOECOFOOD research is protected by rigorous consent procedures and modern data privacy regulations.
Human Participant Protection
The project ensures free and informed consent according to the New European regulations 2016/679. All participation is voluntary, with participants receiving detailed information sheets in their native language.
- Voluntary participation only
- Information sheets in native language
- Clear explanation of study purpose and design
- Transparent data treatment disclosure
- Right to withdraw at any time
Data Protection Framework
INNOECOFOOD adheres to multiple regulatory standards including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR EU 2016/679) and follows the Market Research Society's code of professional conduct on data collection.
- Full GDPR (EU 2016/679) compliance
- Minimized personal data collection
- Anonymous processing where possible
- Secure storage protocols
- MRS code of professional conduct
Inclusive & Diverse Social Science Methods
We employ a wide range of social science approaches while maintaining diversity and gender-aware recruitment across all stakeholder groups.
Surveys & Questionnaires
Structured data collection from diverse stakeholder groups across the value chain.
Consumer Tests
Sensory evaluation and acceptance studies for novel food products.
Semi-Structured Interviews
In-depth conversations to gather qualitative insights from key informants.
Structured Interviews
Standardized data gathering for cross-comparison across regions and groups.
Direct Observations
Field-based observational research grounded in real production contexts.
Diversity & Gender-Aware
Inclusive recruitment practices ensuring representation across all participant groups.
Laboratory & Environmental Protection
Laboratory work follows established protocols with trained staff, while hazardous compound testing occurs in controlled environments to prevent contamination.
Good Laboratory Practices
All laboratory activities are conducted by trained staff who follow internationally recognized Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) for the safe and reproducible handling of biological and chemical materials.
- Trained and certified laboratory staff
- Validated protocols and SOPs
- Reproducible scientific procedures
- Strict quality control
Controlled Environmental Testing
Hazardous compound testing occurs at controlled mesocosm scale to prevent environmental contamination. Every incident is documented and addressed under structured response procedures.
- Controlled mesocosm-scale testing
- Containment of hazardous compounds
- Full incident documentation
- Structured response procedures
The 3Rs Principles
Where research on specific fish species (Tilapia and catfish) is unavoidable because alternative technologies are not available, INNOECOFOOD follows the 3Rs principles and requires national permits and licensed personnel before experiments commence.
Replacement
Use alternative methods to replace animal testing wherever scientifically feasible, including in-vitro models and computational approaches.
Reduction
Minimize the number of animals used through robust experimental design, statistical optimization, and shared data approaches.
Refinement
Improve animal welfare and minimize potential pain or distress through better housing, handling, and humane endpoints.
Permits & Licensing
All animal experiments require valid national permits and the appropriate licensing of staff before research commences. Documentation is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
Privacy, Consent & Digital Compliance
Beyond the lab and the field, INNOECOFOOD's website and digital touchpoints follow GDPR-aligned practices for transparent, consent-based engagement.
GDPR Privacy Statements
The INNOECOFOOD website publishes GDPR-aligned privacy statements covering all data collection touchpoints.
Double Opt-In Subscriptions
All newsletter and communication subscriptions require verified double opt-in confirmation.
Photo & Video Consent
All photographs and videos used in project communications require signed consent forms from individuals depicted.
Minimized Data Collection
We only collect the data strictly necessary for the project's research and administrative objectives.
Anonymous Processing
Where possible, data is processed in anonymous or pseudonymous form to protect participant identity.
Secure Storage
Personal data is stored on secure infrastructure with controlled access and proper retention policies.
Get in Touch With Our Ethics Team
For specific inquiries about consent, data handling, or our ethics framework, please reach out to the INNOECOFOOD team directly.
Contact the Team →