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Legislation
on biotechnology
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Mandate 2008-2010 Introduction In the increasing international variety of approaches taken to address bioethical questions, it is important to have a committee that reflects the Nordic dimension in responding to ethical issues raised by biosciences and biotechnology. The Nordic Committee on Bioethics was founded in 1989 to promote Nordic cooperation and exchange of information between scientists, parliamentarians, opinion leaders and public officials in the area of bioethics. Members and organisation The Nordic Committee on Bioethics has two members from each Nordic country. Members are appointed for three years at a time by the Nordic Council of Ministers from the nominations of the Nordic countries. Members can be appointed for a maximum of two consecutive mandate periods. The Committee selects its chair amongst its members and the chairmanship rotates annually between the Nordic countries. The Committee appoints a secretariat. The Committee’s work is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Mission The mission of the Nordic Committee on Bioethics is to foster co-operation between the Nordic countries by bringing together representatives from different backgrounds to discuss and analyse issues in bioethics in order to achieve greater awareness, promote common understanding and improve policy in this area. Functions The Committee has the following functions: - to monitor developments in biosciences in the Nordic region and internationally; - to keep abreast of Nordic and international debate on ethical questions arising from research, development and application of biosciences; - to identify ethical issues arising from biosciences - to follow legislative developments and practices within the sphere of bioethics and biosciences in the Nordic countries. - to create opportunities for exchange of information and promote Nordic dialogue among researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders on bioethical issues by cooperating with national research institutions, authorities and other relevant groups; - to arrange meetings and disseminate material that can be used in constructive debate on bioethical issues in the Nordic countries. |
