Research Integrity, Ethics and Security

Research security encompasses the practices and measures designed to ensure that scientific activities are conducted responsibly and in compliance with applicable regulations. In an environment of growing international collaboration and the rapid dissemination of knowledge, research may sometimes generate findings or technologies capable of unintended or potentially harmful applications.

Misuse refers to the application of research or research findings for unethical purposes. Indeed, research can generate outputs that, if used inappropriately or by unauthorised actors, may cause serious harm to people, animals, or the environment. This risk arises particularly when knowledge, methodologies, or technologies are exploited, directly or indirectly, by criminal or terrorist entities, posing severe threats to both individual and collective security.

Within the broader framework of risks associated with research misuse, the concept of dual-use activities plays a central role. Under Article 2 of European Regulation (EU) 2021/821, ‘dual-use items’ are defined as: “[...] items, including software and technology, which can be used for both civil and military purposes, and includes items which can be used for the design, development, production or use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or their means of delivery, including all items which can be used for both non-explosive uses and assisting in any way in the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices [...]”.

Overall, it is therefore important to recognise that the same scientific finding can contribute positively to cultural, technological, or healthcare progress, while simultaneously posing significant risks if misused. The dual nature of such findings requires a deliberate and systematic assessment of potential use scenarios from the earliest stages of research design.

To support the academic community in addressing these issues, the University of Florence has adopted specific Guidelines on Dual-use, providing practical guidance and tools to identify and manage potential risks in research activities. These guidelines form part of the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of responsible research, combining scientific excellence, academic freedom, and a focus on the ethical and societal impacts of scientific activities.

Article 1 of Law No. 413 of 12 October 1993 establishes the right to conscientious objection to animal testing: “Citizens who, in obedience to their conscience and in exercising their right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, oppose violence against all living beings, may declare their conscientious objection to any act connected with animal experimentation.”

How to submit the application

To exercise the right to conscientious objection, professors, researchers, technical and administrative staff, and students of the University may complete the dedicated declaration form.

The declaration must be submitted in two copies, completed and signed by the objector:

• one copy is retained by the administration;
• one copy, stamped and/or countersigned, is returned to the applicant.

A third copy of the declaration may be sent for national statistical purposes to: LAV, Viale Regina Margherita, 177 – 00198 Rome, Tel. +39 06 4461325 – email: info(AT)lav.it.

Available in the Statute and regulations section:

• Code of Ethics and Conduct (Codice etico e di comportamento)
• Dual-Use Guidelines

For further details, you can consult the documentation in the Intranet section (Naviga per tema > Ricerca > Comitato etico per la ricerca). This includes information materials and operational tools — including a self-assessment questionnaire — to support researchers in evaluating potential risks related to their activities.

The University has a Research Ethics Committee responsible for issuing opinions on research ethics and integrity.