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About the Council

Introduction

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics was established by the Trustees of the Nuffield Foundation in 1991 to identify, examine and report on the ethical questions raised by recent advances in biological and medical research. Since 1994, it has been funded jointly by The Nuffield Foundation, the Medical Research Council and The Wellcome Trust.

New developments in medicine and biology raise important ethical issues. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is required, in its terms of reference, to consider these issues. The Council has achieved an international reputation, providing advice that assists policy-making, addresses public concerns and stimulates debate in bioethics.

Annual Reports, and a review of the Council’s activities, are available to download.

Membership of the Council includes clinicians, lawyers, philosophers, scientists and theologians.

Last Updated Wed, 7 September 2005

Terms of Reference

The Council's terms of reference require it:

1. To identify and define ethical questions raised by recent advances in biological and medical research in order to respond to, and to anticipate, public concern;

2. To make arrangements for examining and reporting on such questions with a view to promoting public understanding and discussion; this may lead, where needed, to the formulation of new guidelines by the appropriate regulatory or other body;

3. In the light of the outcome of its work, to publish reports; and to make representations, as the Council may judge appropriate.

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