ERS along with several other research organisations has urged Member States to implement the newly adopted EU Data Protection Regulation in a way that better supports research.
Some of the rules concerning research have been delegated to Member States and must be implemented at a national level before they can apply.
It will be crucial for relevant ministries and data protection authorities to work together with other appropriate ministries that are responsible for health and research, as well as the wider research community, to ensure that laws and guidance are practical, and are proportionate to risk.
There is a need to promote compatibility and harmonisation between national systems to ensure that transnational cross border research is facilitated. Member States will need to work together on this to achieve a positive and effective outcome.