In addition, the Board has created a team to speed up the finalisation of the guidelines on anonymisation. The EDPB has also adopted two opinions on the two sets of the Europrivacy certification criteria for approval as European Data Protection Seals, one of which to be used as a tool for transfers.

Many areas of scientific research rely on the processing of individuals’ personal data, and this has driven significant scientific breakthroughs that benefit society. The rise of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, also contributes to scientific progress by enabling researchers to use and analyse data in innovative ways.

The main objective of the EDPB guidelines on scientific research is to provide more clarity for researchers and make GDPR compliance easier, while ensuring the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights.

The guidelines will be subject to public consultation until 25 June, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to comment and provide feedback.

Guidelines 1/2026 on processing of personal data for scientific research purposes.

The EDPB’s press release.