16.3.3
Policy on Participation in Government Research
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s framework for policy-focused research collaboration with government departments, agencies, and public bodies. It aims to promote evidence-based policymaking, strengthen the research-policy interface, and enhance the University’s societal impact through applied, multidisciplinary research.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All research units, centers, and faculty members engaged in research collaborations with governmental institutions.
– All levels of government — local, regional, national, and European.
– All types of policy-relevant research, including studies, evaluations, pilot projects, and policy impact assessments.
– Both commissioned and co-funded research conducted in partnership with public authorities.
3. Definitions
– Policy-focused research: Research designed to inform, evaluate, or support public policies and administrative practices.
– Government research collaboration: Formal cooperation between the University and public authorities for the design and execution of studies or projects.
– Evidence-based policymaking: The use of scientific research, data, and analysis to inform public decision-making.
– Principal investigator (PI): The faculty member responsible for leading and reporting a research project.
– Public dissemination: Publication of research outcomes in accessible and transparent formats for policy stakeholders.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly commits to fostering systematic collaboration with government bodies for research that supports public interest and sustainable development. To this end, the University shall:
1. Encourage and support faculty participation in policy-oriented research commissioned or co-funded by government institutions.
2. Ensure all research partnerships uphold academic integrity, independence, and transparency.
3. Establish formal agreements (MoUs, contracts) outlining objectives, deliverables, and ethical standards.
4. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex policy issues such as health, education, environment, economy, and governance.
5. Facilitate access to data and administrative records in compliance with data protection regulations.
6. Disseminate research findings to both academic and governmental audiences.
7. Evaluate the policy relevance and societal impact of all research collaborations.
8. Include government research partnerships in the University’s annual reporting on public engagement and external impact.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Rector, is responsible for coordinating and monitoring this policy. Responsibilities include:
– Managing agreements and approvals for all government research collaborations.
– Ensuring compliance with national and EU research regulations.
– Maintaining a Registry of Government-Linked Research Projects (RGLRP).
– Providing support in project design, proposal development, and ethical review.
– Facilitating communication between academic teams and government partners.
– Reporting annually to the Senate Research Committee on government-linked research activities.
Individual faculty and researchers must:
– Notify their department and the Directorate when initiating government-related research.
– Adhere to University research ethics, integrity, and transparency standards.
– Ensure accurate representation of research outcomes and funding sources.
6. Ethical and Legal Compliance
All research under this policy shall:
– Comply with national research ethics legislation, GDPR, and data protection frameworks.
– Undergo ethical review by the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) where applicable.
– Include transparent authorship, funding disclosure, and conflict-of-interest declarations.
– Uphold open-access principles where permissible, ensuring public benefit of research outcomes.
7. Monitoring and Review
The Office of Public Relations shall conduct an annual review of government-linked research activities. Results and outcomes shall be summarized in the Annual Research and Innovation Report. The University shall maintain records for all such projects for a minimum of ten (10) years. Non-compliance may lead to corrective or disciplinary actions under the University’s Research Code of Conduct.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if legislative or institutional changes require revision. Amendments shall be proposed by the Rector and approved by the Governing Council.
9. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education Governance and Research
– Greek Law 4310/2014 on Research and Innovation
– EU Regulation 1291/2013 (Horizon Europe Framework)
– HAHE ESG 1.1, 1.3, 1.4
– European Charter for Researchers (2005)
– OECD (2018) Framework for Evidence-Based Policy