Canary Islands proposes to the State a regulation of scientific ethics that respects regional competencies

The Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI), has presented seven contributions to the prior public consultation of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities on the future regulation of research ethics committees and the creation of a national registry of guarantor bodies for responsible research.

The proposals stem from the new Canary Science Law, approved in July 2026, which includes the creation of the Canary Research Ethics Committee as an independent and consultative body. Its purpose is to contribute to state regulation that establishes common guarantees for scientific activity and, at the same time, respects the competencies and organizational particularities of the autonomous communities.

The Canary Islands share the objectives of improving the quality, transparency, and independence of research ethics evaluation. Within this framework, it considers it necessary to differentiate the functions of committees that evaluate specific scientific projects from those of bodies dedicated to advisory, scientific integrity, and the promotion of good practices, such as the one provided for in Canary Islands legislation.

The contributions also propose greater participation of the autonomous communities in the coordination and accreditation mechanisms of these bodies, as well as stable collaboration with the Spanish Research Ethics Committee.

Fewer procedures and new guarantees for research

Another of the highlighted aspects is the proposal to simplify ethical evaluation procedures, adapting them to the nature and risks of each research. The ACIISI proposes facilitating the recognition of evaluations already carried out by accredited committees, especially when several institutions participate in the same project, to avoid unnecessary duplication.

In relation to the future National Registry of guarantor bodies for responsible research, the Canary Islands positively values its creation and proposes that it can exchange information with regional registries and systems, reducing administrative burdens for research entities.

The contributions also incorporate the need to address the ethical risks associated with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Among the safeguards considered necessary are human supervision, transparency, personal data protection, and respect for fundamental rights, in line with European regulations and the Canary Islands Science Law.

Finally, the Ministry proposes that the future regulation include a sufficient adaptation period for existing or newly established regional bodies, accompanied by cooperation mechanisms between administrations.

With these contributions, the Canary Islands participate in the development of the future state framework from a perspective of institutional collaboration, with the aim of promoting responsible research, guaranteeing people's rights, and facilitating the work of the scientific community.

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