The Unit of Medical Ethics at the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University was founded in 1991, the first of its kind in Sweden. Most of the members of the unit have a background in philosophy and/or medical or research ethics, but some of us also have qualifications in medicine, genetics, law, sociology, and political science. Our research interests include ethical aspects of stem cell research, informed consent, self-determination, protection of research subjects, transplantation and organ donation, genetic testing and screening, and ethical review of research projects. Members of the unit have also had a long-standing research interest in priority setting in health care and social work and in the policy issues they raise. We also have competence in other areas such as decision theory, the philosophy of risk, reproductive and family ethics, and the philosophy of science.

Avdelningens forskningsinriktning har med åren utvecklats. Från en mer traditionell medicin-etisk inriktning till en idag bredare bioetisk forskning. För närvarande bedrivs forskning inom områden som besluts- och riskfattande, biobanker, dödshjälp, etiska modellers relevans för vården, informerat samtycke, interventionsforskningens vetenskapsteori, medicinsk vetenskapsteori, nanoteknik, prioritering och stamceller.