Scientific Research and Academic e-Learning in Light of the EU’s Legal Framework for Data Protection

Scientific research and academic education are major, long-standing activities in our society. Digitalization has become a fundamental aspect of development and sustainability in these sectors and many others. New technologies and associated networks mean that the stage is now global. Internationalization is therefore a core characteristic of science. Adding to the picture is the fact that what emanates from the research community serves as basis for many other disciplines. Education based on scientific findings, not merely on opinions etc., is just one example hereof. This, in turn, requires an infrastructure that allows for digitalization with regard to research in itself, but also for learning purposes. The topic covers a wide area and will here be narrowed down to a study of current legal developments with regard to data protection for privacy purposes in the context of scientific research and academic e-learning, bearing academic freedom in mind. The analysis will be carried out in light of the EU’s legal framework for data protection.