The regulations apply to all research projects in the field of human science research conducted by members of the University of Lucerne within the scope of their employment or training, insofar as they involve the processing of personal data, interventions or effects on the human body or stresses on the human psyche. It is not applicable to projects that are subject to the Human Research Act or the Animal Protection Ordinance. 

Research projects within the scope must be reviewed by the Ethics Board before they are carried out if they involve interventions or effects on the human body or stresses on the human psyche. For the remaining research projects within the scope, a review by the Ethics Board may be requested.

In addition to protecting study participants, the guideline also provides support for researchers submitting papers to scientific journals that require ethical review of studies. It also contributes to the quality assurance of research.