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How are the Council Members selected?

The Chairman of the Council is appointed by the Nuffield Foundation, after consultation with the other funders. The Council appoints its own members independently. Members are drawn from relevant fields of expertise, including science, medicine, philosophy and law. They serve on the Council for three years, with the possibility of an additional three-year term. When vacancies arise, the Council now advertises in the national press and a copy of the advertisement is placed on this website. A Membership Committee considers and makes recommendations to the Council on future members selected from the respondents to the advertisement. Selection is based on the following agreed criteria:

  • If professionally engaged in bioethics and/or biomedicine, members should be nationally or internationally recognised in their field, or show the potential for being so;
  • Must be able to demonstrate an interest in bioethics;
  • Must be willing to contribute to bioethical debate in an open and constructive manner;
  • Must be prepared and able to work with others;
  • Must have good skills in analysis and communication.

The Council aims to achieve an appropriate balance as regards gender and ethnic background. Members do not receive remuneration, but reasonable travel expenses are paid.

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics invites expressions of interest in becoming a Council member.


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Last Updated Fri, 4 August 2006