Brussels, 15 February 2002
'Ethics in research and science: situation and perspectives in the candidate countries to the European Union' will be the topic of discussion at a conference organised by the European Commission, to be held in Bratislava, Slovak Republic on 17 to 19 March.
The conference is particularly relevant as ethics was the only issue on which Research Ministers could not fully agree when they adopted a common position on the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) at the Research Council on 10 December 2001.
The event will focus on ethical issues in research, such as gene banking, the safety of nuclear power and animal welfare, which will be relevant for researchers and science administrations under FP6. Researchers participating in FP6 must be informed of laws, directives and international regulations, as they will be relevant for the review of ethically sensitive research projects submitted under FP6.
The conference aims to initiate a dialogue whilst creating or extending networks. Open discussions and round tables will provide an opportunity to discuss issues relating to ethics in science and research, and to examine how they are being handled by administrative structures. All 13 candidate countries will be represented in Bratislava, by both national experts and members of the national science ministries. The event will address how each of the candidate countries deals with ethics in research.
The conference will begin on 17 March with a free public event with prominent speakers such as journalist Alison Abbott from the science journal 'Nature'.
For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Bitusikova
Tel: +32 2 296 6313
Fax: +32 2 298 4694
E-mail: Alexandra.Bitusikova@cec.eu.int