Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences (PEALS)

PEALS aims to research, inform and improve policy, professional practice and public participation in the life sciences. We particularly promote research and debate on the social and ethical aspects of genetics and other life sciences.

Services Offered

PEALS draws upon the expertise of social scientists, philosophers, action researchers and theologians as well as scientists and clinicians through an established research network.

We aim to use our expertise to inform and improve professional practice, public policy and corporate decision-making in the life sciences through sustained and mutually respectful dialogue with stakeholders. Different areas of our work contribute to this goal by:

  • ensuring that research findings are presented to, and accessible by, regulatory and policy bodies as well as the scientific and business communities;
  • gathering and channelling public views to regulators and policymakers;
  • service on local, national and international public inquiries and ethics committees;
  • training both the current and future generation of policymakers and professionals in the social and ethical dimensions of their work.

Further information: