Commission appoints new advisory group on ethics in science and new technologies

The Group is supposed to provide advice to the Commission on all areas of science and technology policy which involve ethical, societal and fundamental rights issues. The appointments follow the decision by President Juncker and Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, to have a dedicated group of experts to provide independent ethical advice. The Advisory Group will report to the President and to the College of Commissioners as a whole, and is placed under the direct responsibility of Commissioner Moedas.

The Group brings together scientists who have spearheaded cutting-edge biomedical techniques, to leading scholars in the study of information technologies, philosophy of science and human rights law. Among them are several former chairs of national and international ethics councils who will bring a lot of experience advising governments on the societal and human rights implications of current and future developments.

The members were selected from over 200 candidates who responded to a public call for expression of interest. The selection process was conducted with the support of an external Identification Committee, charged with ensuring high-level professional experience and a good balance in terms of skills, experience, knowledge, geographical diversity, gender and age.

Background:

• Since its first inception in 1991, the EGE provided the Commission with high quality and independent advice. Its scope has progressively expanded from a narrow focus on biomedical issues to a broader examination of the major societal questions of our time.
• Previous EGE Opinions focused on topics as health, energy, and the ethical implications of security and surveillance technologies.

Next steps

The group will hold its first meeting on 24-25 April 2017, when it will meet Commissioner Moedas and reflect on the most relevant topics for its first opinions.

More information can be found here.