Research at the Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics (CRB)
We identify and explore current ethical issues through conceptual, normative and empirical approaches. Our research is both fundamental and applied: providing conceptual tools and hands-on guidance for stakeholders in research, policy, clinical practice, and beyond.
Conceptual tools and hands-on guidance
The centre's multi-method approaches support the development of ethical guidance for decision-making in research, development and clinical practice. We combine empirical research on stakeholder views with normative and conceptual analysis, providing tools for research and practice. Theoretical approaches explore concepts to develop our understanding of different phenomena required to address ethical issues.
We offer critical examination of normative, empirical and conceptual assumptions in ethical debates. We provide empirical findings and evidence that can serve as a solid basis for ethical discussions, regulations and policies. Our work builds bridges between academic integrity and research ethics. Close collaboration with the Region of Uppsala provides opportunities for research on the ethical problems that are arise in healthcare. The centre also provides critical mass to tackle ethical issues in large European research consortia training a new generation of researchers.
Our areas of expertise
Healthcare, public health & professional ethics
We explore ethical issues raised in clinical practice and care, preventive programmes, and healthcare management. Examining policy, organisation, professional roles and value conflicts.
Biomedicine, biobanks & genomics
We explore the ethical and societal aspects of genetic genomic data collection, storage and use in biobank and registry studies, and the translation of biomedical research results into clinical applications.
Research ethics & academic integrity
We explore value conflicts and ethical issues related to research practice: providing a bridge from research ethics to academic integrity providing guidance on informed consent, academic publishing, and good research practice.
Brain, consciousness & artificial intelligence
We explore ethical, social and philosophical questions raised by artificial intelligence, neuroscience and brain research, consciousness and cognition, and the idea and use of digital twins.
Food, medicine & environment
We explore the value conflicts and ethical dilemmas that we experience as individuals, patients and professionals in relation to what we eat, the medicines we use, and where we live.
Policy, engagement & communication
We explore current ethical issues together with stakeholders. Our work provides insights on how to communicate with citizens, patients and professionals about research, risk and individual responsibility.
Areas of expertise
We contribute to the knowledge base for how to promote good research practice and responsible research and innovation, focusing on six key areas.
Research projects
We are part of large, impactful national and international networks, working in projects designed with and for stakeholders.
- AICare
- BRIDGE
- CAVAA
- ConcePTION
- ENLIGHTENme
- GPStress
- Governance of health data in cyberspace
- Human Brain Project
- In the best interest of the child?
- Just Severity
- MEET-AML
- MINDtheGEPs
- Mind the Risk
- Neurotwin
- ONCOLOGICS
- PREFER
- Providing dietary advice in primary care
- Public perceptions of cancer risk
- RELIABLE
- RUBIKS
- SIENNA
- STARBIOS2
- Screen4Care
- Severity as a priority setting criterion in healthcare
- Strain a gnat and swallow a camel?
- Transformation of family medicine
Research news from the Centre
News from CRB
We share news about research, education and collaboration at the Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics.
Opinion & debate
We participate in the research & bioethics debate.
Our Ethics Blogs
On the Ethics Blog and its Swedish language sister blog Etikbloggen we discuss the significance of research and the questions raised by the results.
CRB in the media
We participate in Swedish and international media.