Responsibility

In accordance with Luke’s strategy, we use research to create wellbeing and a sustainable future from renewable natural resources. Our research produces value and solutions to our customers and society. We develop our operations and operating models continuously and monitor the quality, responsibility and ethics of our operations.

In all research activities and official duties and as a statistical authority, Luke acts impartially, independently, honestly and responsibly, observing high ethical standards of science. Our activities promote responsibility and the balanced realisation of the different dimensions of sustainability in society.

Luke has identified the five UN Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant for itself and furthers the achievement of these goals with its research results and other activities. We are committed to following the progress in our selected goals until the end of the current strategy period, 2025.

UN Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant for Luke: Zero hunger; Responsible consumption and production; Climate action; Life below water; and Life on land. — Luke has identified the five UN Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant for itself: Zero hunger; Responsible consumption and production; Climate action; Life below water; and Life on land.

Luke has identified the five UN Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant for itself: Zero hunger; Responsible consumption and production; Climate action; Life below water; and Life on land.

Principle of responsibility

Luke’s Code of Conduct forms the foundation of all responsible activities at Luke and defines the ethical principles guiding our work. The responsibility of research at Luke is ensured through commitment to the ethical guidelines of The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK.

Luke aims to build an international, diverse and multidisciplinary work community based on equality and non-discrimination. Luke’s Equality Plan supports the achievement of these objectives and implements the obligations laid down in equality and non-discrimination legislation.

The Research Ethics Committee (formerly the Natural Sciences Ethics Committee) began its operations at Luke in 2021.

Research Ethics Committee

At request, the Research Ethics Committee carries out prior ethical reviews of research involving empirical data collection relating to the environment and living organisms, and issues statements on such research. The basis for the committee’s review is Ethical Principles for Research on the Environment and Organisms, published in 2024.

A planned research project is subject to prior ethical review if it may reasonably be expected to result in significant adverse impacts on:

endangered species or habitats, valuable cultural environments or biodiversity
animal welfare or health
soil or water contamination, or significant emissions into water bodies or soil
health or safety of the researcher, bystanders or their property.

The aim of the prior review is to modify the research plan so that the research can be carried out responsibly.

Tasks of the Committee

To maintain the ethical principles and the statement request process for research involving the environment and living organisms
To carry out prior ethical reviews and, upon request, issue statements on research concerning the environment and nature
To issue, upon request, statements on the need for prior ethical review of research involving human participants
To monitor and guide the handling of research ethics issues within its area of responsibility
To communicate, inform and provide training on matters related to prior ethical review and research ethics
To report to Luke’s Management

Composition of the Committee

Head of Unit Sirpa Thessler, Chair
Research Professor Laura Uusitalo, Vice Chair
Principal Research Manager Laura Kitti
Senior Specialist Tiina Kauppinen
Research Professor Matti Koivula
Research Manager Kari T. Korhonen
Team Leader Jaana Kotro

In addition, the following serve as expert members of the Committee:

Communications Manager Johanna Torkkel
Senior Legal Counsel Heidi Lindberg
Senior Specialist Tiina Ikonen

The Committee meets once a month, excluding July. Statements issued by the Committee are available below.

Luke's responsibility goals

Topic	Goal	Indicators
Research responsibility	Our research supports the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.	Each year, we publish 1) eight synthesis reports integrating our research findings; and 2) eight policy briefs for decision-makers.
Research responsibility	Ethical reviews in natural sciences for experimental research are put into practice.	We have issued several ethical review statements, especially for Luke’s experimental research projects, by the end of the strategy period.
Environmental responsibility	An environmental management system is developed and deployed, covering Luke as a whole.	Planned measures pertaining to the environmental system are part of units’ activities by the end of the strategy period. The total carbon footprint decreases by the end of the strategy period.
Social responsibility	A thriving working community: Luke’s wellbeing programme increases the personnel’s wellbeing at work by developing the working culture.	Job satisfaction and supervisor indices remain high (VMBaro).
Social responsibility	Students and professionals see Luke as an attractive employer.	Luke maintains its first place in Universum’s survey results for students and professionals.
Economic responsibility	Increases in external funding ensure a sustainable financial base.	External funding and EU funding in particular increase. We also monitor the rate of successful EU applications.
	Luke is engaged in sustainable and responsible procurement.	Sustainability and the environment are addressed in procurement guidelines and plans, bidding processes and implementation.
	Our customer satisfaction remains high.	Customer satisfaction: NPS >50
	Our activities support regional wellbeing.	Funds allocated to regional projects increase.