‘Solidarity’ could provide policy solutions, says new report

Press Release

30 November 2011

What do research biobanks, Twitter and the NHS have in common? All involve people who are showing solidarity with others. And thinking about how solidarity plays a role in our society can offer solutions to policy making, concludes a new report published today. For example, Twitter and other social media could be used more systematically to track the spread of disease and share information during flu pandemics. And participation agreements for research biobanks should be revised to make biobanks more efficient in working towards improving health.

Council comments on Renewable Energy Directive proposals

29 November 2011

The EC Renewable Energy Directive (RED), adopted in April 2009, requires that 10 percent of transport fuel comes from renewable sources by 2020. The UK Government proposes to implement the transport elements of the RED by amending in December 2011 the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), which sets biofuels targets up to April 2013.

New Working Party on novel neurotechnologies

18 November 2011

The Council has set up a new Working Party to consider the ethical issues raised by novel neurotechnologies that intervene in the brain such as deep brain stimulation, brain-computer interfaces and neuron replacement therapy.

This project aims to identify and explore the key ethical issues that are relevant to technologies at the early stages of translation from the laboratory to practical use.

Northern Ireland dementia strategy echoes Council conclusions

10 November 2011

The Northern Ireland Executive has published a new strategy for improving dementia services in the region, echoing many of the conclusions made in the Nuffield Council’s 2009 report Dementia: ethical issues.