1. 1 Dr David Coles Ethics and Science European Commission ACTIVITIES on ETHICS in The Science and Society Programme

2. 2 Under existing treaties there is no specific EU competence on ethics – subsidiarity applies The European Consititution project envisioned changes through incorporation of Charter of Fundamental Rights. EU does already address ethical issues in regulations (patents, clinical trials, data protection) and in research programmes. The EU and Ethics

3. 3 European Group on Ethics Embedding Ethics into EU research through the Science and Society Action Plan Ethical review of Framework research proposals EU activities on ethics and science

4. 4 NEC Forum REC Conference Information Infrastructures Capacity Building in Developing Countries Examples of Science and Society Actions and Activities

5. 5 The Forum of National Ethics Councils (NEC Forum) an informal, independent platform for exchange of information, experience and best practices on issues of common interest in the field of ethics and science. chairpersons and the secretaries of the national ethics councils of Member States. NEC Forum meetings have taken place, under recent presidencies in Athens, Rome Dublin, Amsterdam and Luxembourg. The Forum network is developing an important role in exchanging good practices between Member States. FORUM of National Ethics Councils (NEC)

6. 6 the NEC Forum is a dialogue platform between the NECs of Member States. Representatives from the European Group on Ethics (EGE) and The European Conference of National Ethics Committees (COMETH) are invited to attend. FORUM of National Ethics Councils (NEC)

7. 7 The EGE is a consultative body to the President of the Commission. It is independent, pluralist and multidisciplinary. EGE advises the European Commission on ethical aspects of science and new technologies in connection with the preparation and implementation of Community legislation or policies http://europa.eu.int/comm/european_group_ethics/index_en.htm The European Group on Ethics in science and new technologies (EGE)

8. 8 COMETH is composed of representatives of national ethics committees in the Member States of the Council of Europe. Promotes co-operation between national ethics committees, help countries wishing to set up a national ethics committee and promotes public debate on ethical issues http://europa.eu.int/comm/european_group_ethics/index _en.htm The European Conference of National Ethics Committees (COMETH)

9. 9 The last meeting of the NEC Forum took place in Luxembourg on May 23-24, 2005. issues discussed at the Forum have included: adult stem cells research, research on animals, transplantation, education. The next meeting of the Forum will take place in London, November 2005. FORUM of National Ethics Councils (NEC)

10. 10 Ethics research - €5.5m per year Examples: BITE – Analysis of ethical and legal issues associated with biometrics BeSHa – Benefit sharing of IP with communities in developing countries ENHANCE – Analysis of the implications of human enhancement through developments in genetics, biomedicine, ICT and nanotechnology ETHICBOTS – Techno-ethical issues associated with integration of human beings with artificial intelligence and robots Promoting research on ethics

11. 11 To ensure Commission does not fund ethically unsound research To raise awareness amongst researchers For all ethically sensitive FP6 research projects By independent, multidisciplinary panels Review requirements must be incorporated into research contracts Does not replace need for ethical approval at national or local level FP6 Ethical Review

12. 12 Based on “FP6 ethical rules” - supporting both subsidiarity and fundamental ethical principles Applies –National regulations –EU regulations –International agreements FP6 Ethical Review

13. 13 Science Law Philosophy, theology, ethics Sociology, psychology Animal welfare  from different countries in Europe and Accession & Candidate countries  Gender balance target (40%)  many involved in ethical review in their own countries Medicine Through Independent Multidisciplinary Expert Panels

14. 14 Challenges of new and converging technologies Technology crossover – new ethical implications –Use of chimeric embryos –Use of animals (including NHPs) for non-medical research –Human enhancement (physical, cognitive, mood and ageing - through gene therapy, ICT, silicon implants, robotics, nanotechnology etc.) –Impact of ICT research and its potential applications on personal privacy and human dignity –Dual use - increased risk to e.g. security, privacy and discrimination Emerging Ethical Issues

15. 15 Despite novel ethical issues, the majority of recurring concerns for the FP6 ethical review panels continue to be: Informed consent Research involving developing countries Protection and use of sensitive personal data Research involving children Ongoing Ethical Issues

16. 16 Continued improvement and refinement of embedding and the ethical review process into FP7 Further awareness raising of ethics amongst researchers – particularly for the new technologies Ensuring ethical analysis develops rapidly enough to be taken into account in policy development and research governance. How do we handle new emerging ethical issues? Future Challenges

17. 17 and in conclusion…..

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