Legal landscape of neuroscientific research and its applications in Finland

Abstract

This article focuses on the regulation of research and use of neuroscientific knowledge in Finland. As no separate regulation on neuroscientific research exists, legislation on medical research has been taken as a starting point for the legal analysis. The recently extended scope of application of the Medical Research Act has both positive and negative effects to multidisciplinary research projects such as neuroscientific research. Although the Act now takes better account of novel research areas outside the scope of traditional medical science, relevant expertise in the ethics committees may be difficult to find. Generally, the Finnish legislation responds reasonably well to the particularities of neuroscientific research such as incidental findings. As the application of neuroscientific knowledge in many areas is still rather sporadic, there has not been sufficient incentive to introduce legislation in the area. The only recorded demands for guidance in the area involve the use of polygraphs in criminal investigation and court proceedings.