Research

Since 2005, the Bioethics and Law Observatory (OBD) has developed its activities, building on the consolidated research group “Bioethics, Law and Society” of the Catalan government.

Research Projects

For more than two decades, the Bioethics and Law Observatory has opened new research lines in its field of study and has successfully managed to have a relevant impact on bioethical thinking.

The most memorable projects of the group have dealt with the use of new genetic technologies in the ageing process, the discussion of biomedical issues that arise when dealing with assisted reproductive technology, nanotechnology, forensic use of human DNA, and Big Data in the field of health.

• Unsolved boethical issues in the review of healthcare research and innovation based on artificial intelligence, genetic technologies and personal data (BIOEVAINNOLAW)
• DECISION: Decompensated Cirrhosis: Identification of new Combinatorial therapies based on system approaches
• MICROB-PREDICT: Microbiome-based biomarkers to predict decompensation of liver cirrhosis and treatment response
• CONBIOLAW.20. The Oviedo Convention turns 20 years old: proposals for its adaptation to the new social and scientific reality
• NESTORE: Novel Empowering Solutions and Technologies for Older people to Retain Everyday life activities
• BODYBIOLAW: Social, legal and bioethical implications of the transfers of biological material of human origin
• ADNBIOLAW: Social, legal and ethical implications of obtaining, using and storing human DNA, among other biometric techniques
• NANOBIOLAW: Social, legal and bioethical implications of nanotechnologies
• Unresolved issues arising from assisted reproductive technology: surplus embryos in research, oocytes donation, surrogated pregnancy, sex selection, anonymity and register of donors, databases and insurance issues
• Gender and Bioethics. The autonomy of women when it comes to health
• Genetics and Law. Social, legal and bioethical implications of the use of techniques for the detection of genes associated to Alzherimer’s disease and other senile dementias

All projects have resulted in the publication of either books or journal contributions. Members of the research group have been invited to give lectures and have presented papers at the most prestigious international conferences, in order to spread the knowledge and conclusions of projects. Also, several Master’s and Phd theses have been completed within the framework of specific projects.

Interdisciplinary Research Program

The Bioethics and Law Observatory offers the opportunity to undertake research visits to both earlystage researchers and post-doc researchers. Visits may be hosted at its headquarters or at any of the academic groups integrated in the network.