Standing Committee for the Centre for Human Bioethics
Entity Details
Entity titleStanding Committee for the Centre for Human BioethicsEntity identifier16Entity typeAgencyDate range1981 - 1990DescriptionThe Centre for Human Bioethics was established by the Professorial Board in 1981 on the recommendation of a steering committee comprised of Professors J. M. Swan, P. Singer and P. L. Waller; Associate Professor W. A. Walters; Dr M. Brumby; and the Rev. Dr L. P. Fitzgerald. The centre was initially funded by the Vice-Chancellor and the faculties of Science, Medicine, Law and Arts. Its aims were to carry out research on issues in human bioethics and to promote study of the ethical, social and legal problems arising out of medical and biological research; to provide an advisory and resource centre for government, professional, educational and community groups; and to stimulate the development of educational programs in human bioethics for professionals and the public.
Professor Peter Singer was appointed Director of the Centre in 1983. Since 1987 Professor Singer and the Centre’s Helga Kuhse have also edited the international quarterly 'Bioethics', and in 1990 the centre was instrumental in setting up the International Association of Bioethics. The centre organises conferences, seminars and lectures and teaches a graduate course leading to the degree of Master of Bioethics. Interested members of the public may become associate members of the centre and receive its quarterly newsletter Bioethics News.
The Standing Committee for the Centre for Human Bioethics was established by the Professorial Board in 1981 to oversee and promote the activities of the newly established centre, which are to carry out research on issues in human bioethics and to promote study of the ethical, social and legal problems arising out of medical and biological research. In 1985 on the advice of the committee, an advisory board was established which would provide opinion and advice on bioethical issues while the committee itself would oversee the administration of the centre.
The Committee reported regularly to the Professorial Board until July 1990. As part of the widespread restructuring of the enlarged university, the Standing Committee and Advisory Board were replaced by a Board of Management which reports through the Board of the Faculty of Arts.
