The development and application of research in biomedicine and health is international in its reach and its practice. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an active and well-respected member of the international bioethics community. We have close links with other ethics bodies abroad, especially those in the European Union. Our Council members and Executive team participate in a wide range of meetings and activities around the world, to help strengthen the voice of ethics in biomedicine and health policy.
As part of our 2024-2028 strategy, we are working to cultivate bioethics networks by continuing to develop new partnerships and connect bioethicists to share learning and approaches, both in the UK and internationally.
International networks
NCOB representatives work closely with a number of international organisations involved in bioethics, such as:
- WHO Ethics and Health programme
- UNESCO bioethics programme
- Global Summit of National Bioethics Advisory Bodies
- European Commission’s annual Forum of National Ethics Councils
The Council regularly meets the French and German National Bioethics Commissions to discuss bioethics topics of mutual interest and share best practice.
We look forward to building on our international connections and developing our international strategy further in 2025.