Free Lecture: ‘Biobanks - Can Ethics Keep Pace With The Science?'

Half a million volunteers – including thousands from London – have given information about their health and lifestyle, plus samples of blood and urine, to an ambitious project called UK Biobank. In doing so, they have built a resource that scientists are now using for research into cancer, heart disease, dementia and other illnesses.

Alongside the outstanding success of UK Biobank, and of similar enterprises in other countries, a number of novel ethical challenges have arisen. Is ethical governance equipped to meet these challenges, or must it forever be playing ‘catch up'?

Professor Alastair V Campbell is the Chen Su Lan Centennial Professor of Medical Ethics and Director of the Centre for Biomedical Ethics at the National University of Singapore. Alastair will suggest ways in which ethics can be proactive, but without stifling scientific advance.

This lecture is being organised by the UK Biobank Ethics and Governance Council – an independent body that advises UK Biobank on ethical matters. Registration is encouraged.