Tag: ethics

Barack Obama has pledged "to curb the influence of lobbyists" on Washington policymaking, co-chair of the US President-elect's transition team John Podesta announced on 11 November, mirroring a similar transparency drive currently underway in the EU institutions.

EU Anti-Fraud Commissioner Siim Kallas has sought to clarify guidelines on preventing potential conflicts of interest which touch on the independence and impartiality of officials working in the EU executive. But the guidelines, seen by EurActiv, have already been criticised as "far too weak" by ALTER-EU, a lobbying transparency group.

Some scientists have voiced concerns over the composition of the Commission's third independent advisory group on ethics in science.

An impact assessment of the social and environmental impacts of European research shows that research has provided direct inputs into many European policies and raised many ethical questions.

In the framework of a Europe-wide public consultation on brain science, a 'citizens' convention' is a prime opportunity for the general public to discuss cutting-edge science.

Lack of understanding about the potential of nanotechnology, commercialisation, investing in the industry and scepticism amongst consumers were key features of a nanotechnology conference.

The potential high social and economic benefits resulting from the biotech innovations are "on ice" due to the long regulatory processes for the approval of new products, says European bioindustry.

Passionate debates on biotechnology, stem cell research and cloning have shown that there is a need for open public dialogue on the ethical implications of scientific advances. With a view of furthering responsible research which respects fundamental ethical principles, the EU has taken a number of initiatives addressing ethical issues.

The Parliament's Industry Committee on 4 November adopted a report drafted by Peter Liese. However, it rejected most of the amendments aiming to introduce stricter guidelines for EU funding of stem cell research.