Special Interest Groups - Guidelines
Introduction
In the thirty years since the term was coined, bioethics has remained a
broad domain of knowledge and interests. While this provides a very
inclusive environment, there is always the risk of digging many shallow
wells and thus missing the vital truths hidden beneath the surface.
The ABA wishes to provide support for its members to convene
special interest groups (SIGs) that can in turn support their members
in digging deeper. It is hoped that in time this will provide a
substantive benefit to ABA members and the wider community.
How ABA can help:
- Opportunities to hold SIG meetings at ABA Conferences
- Assistance in appointing a convener, and in locating appropriate members
- Creation of a web page for your SIG
- Assistance in shaping outcomes, such as publications.
Suggestions about topics
SIG's may choose to focus on any topic or any form of outcome, but some
popular issues (based on current ABA membership) may include:
- Clinical ethics
- Research ethics
- Continental philosophy
- Genetics, biotechnology
- Engaging with the political
Suggested terms of reference
We would encourage SIG's to be:
- Broadly-based and inclusive
- Focused on a reasonably defined issue to start with
- Intent on producing some sort of outcome:
- Position papers, research papers, grant applications
- Organised to survive. This may mean having a convener who can keep track of the thoughts and inspirations of the contributors.
The 10th Australasian Bioethics Conference, Sydney 2004 will include opportunities for all delegates (whether ABA members or not) to meet others who may be interested in forming an SIG. Announcements and programme notes will draw attention to places to meet and registration lists to sign.
We suggest that those wishing to start an SIG at this conference should set up a basic membership structure in advance. Please contact:
Peter Saul (peter.saul@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au)
Wendy Lipworth (w.lipworth@unsw.edu.au)
Ian Kerridge (ikerridge@ehlc.net)