Major supervision of research on genetic materials from other countries
Researchers who have used genetic resources or traditional knowledge in research during the period 1 January 2016 to the end of February 2025 must report the use in a form by 24 June 2025. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
In order to conduct research on genetic materials from other countries – such as all types of organisms and substances that originate from organisms, enzymes, lipids, and organic compounds – you as a researcher need a permit. All researchers must follow the regulations in the so called Nagoya Protocol. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is the spring 2025 conducting a major review of ten Swedish universities’ compliance with the Nagoya Protocol.
Sweden is a party to the Nagoya Protocol, an international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The protocol regulates the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge related to genetic resources. The Nagoya Protocol has been implemented in EU legislation through the EU ABS Regulation and through adaptations in national legislation, and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is the designated supervisory authority in Sweden.
Supervision of compliance with Nagoya
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is now conducting a supervision of the ten largest universities in Sweden – which of course includes Uppsala University. This means that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has the opportunity to follow up on compliance with the legislation while encouraging researchers at higher education institutions to refine their routines.
During supervision, it is checked that users (researchers or responsible managers) show due diligence, which means that a user has a duty to investigate, and that agreements are in place regarding the distribution of the benefits that come from the use of genetic resources and any associated traditional knowledge in research and product development.
What do you need to do as a researcher?
In practice, the supervision means that the researchers concerned need to report by filling in a form from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for each genetic resource/traditional knowledge that has been used in ongoing or completed research/product development in Sweden during the period 1 January 2016 to the end of February 2025.
This applies to all genetic resources/traditional knowledge that originate from another country that is a party to the Nagoya Protocol and has access legislation. The form can be obtained via the email address nagoya@uu.se and completed forms must be sent to the same email address no later than 24 June 2025.
Support and advice for UU researchers
The university-wide Nagoya support function, with representation from the Legal Affairs Division and research support staff from the differente disciplinary domains and coordinated by the newly established Division for Research and Partnership Support, provides advice and support regarding the Nagoya Protocol. The easiest way to reach them is by emailing nagoya@uu.se.
Kristin Blom