The European group on ethics in science and new technologies (EGE) has started its new term, which will run to 2009, by exploring the ethics of nanomedicine.

The European group on ethics in science and new technologies (EGE) has started its new term, which will run to 2009, by exploring the ethics of nanomedicine.

Michael Rogers, from the European Commission, chaired what he described as a successful first session. A representative of the director general for research and technological development briefed EGE on nanomedicine. Rogers said the presentation was ’an expert contribution and in no way influences the EGE’s eventual ethical advice’. EGE will officially announce its nanomedicine opinion by April 2006. 

Established in 1997, EGE gives independent advice to the European Commission on ethical aspects of science. At the meeting EGE also re-elected president G?ran Hermer?n, professor of bioethics at Lund University, Sweden. The remaining 14 members included nine newcomers, with a total of six scientists, three law experts and six social scientists. Katharine Sanderson