The Committee’s tasks are

• to identify ethical problems arising from genetic engineering and other biotechnology research, development and modification of microorganisms, plants, animals and humans.
• to promote Nordic collaboration among researchers, opinion formers and parliamentarians on bioethical issues by cooperating with national research institutions, authorities and ethics committees, and by the same token creating opportunities for the exchange of information.
• to contribute to a joint Nordic debate on bioethical questions by disseminating material that can be used in constructive discussions of bioethics issues.
• to monitor biotechnological developments in the Nordic region and internationally.
• to keep abreast of Nordic and international debate on ethical questions issuing from biotechnology research, development and application.
• to follow legislative developments within the sphere of biotechnology in the Nordic countries.

Members and organisation

The Nordic Committee on Bioethics has two members from each Nordic country. Members are appointed for three years at a time by the Nordic Council of Ministers from the nominations of the Nordic countries. Members can be appointed for a maximum of two consecutive mandate periods. The Committee selects its chair amongst its members and the chairmanship rotates annually between the Nordic countries. The Committee appoints a secretariat. The Committee’s work is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Mission

The mission of the Nordic Committee on Bioethics is to foster co-operation between the Nordic countries by bringing together representatives from different backgrounds to discuss and analyse issues in bioethics in order to achieve greater awareness, promote common understanding and improve policy in this area.