Human Research Act (HRA)

This Act applies to research concerning human diseases and concerning the structure and function of the human body, which involves:

1. persons;
2. deceased persons;
3. embryos and foetuses;
4. biological material;
5. health-related personal data.

It does not apply to research which involves:

1. IVF embryos;
2. anonymised biological material;
3. anonymously collected or anonymised health-related data.

If you process personal data falling under the HRA, you must receive the approuval of the cantonal ethics committees (CER-VD and CCER).

Swissethics has provided templates and useful checklists.

For any question, please contact the Research Office.