More than 30 delegates from 18 countries have begun arriving in Canberra to attend the 5th International Meeting of National Bioethics Advisory Bodies.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), through one of its Principal Committees - the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) - was selected in 2002 to host the meeting.
According to the NHMRC's CEO, Professor Alan Pettigrew, who will officially open the event, all those attending will benefit greatly from the sharing of information, knowledge and expertise on the important issues that will be discussed.
"Ethical issues in medical research and end of life choices will be among the many subjects that will be debated in a stimulating program," Professor Pettigrew said.
"These are exciting and challenging times for biotechnology and genetics in particular, and for the bioethics considerations that underpin such research.
"Biomedical research has the power to transform the quality of our lives. Those of us who work in the field of medical research confront significant cutting edge issues on a daily basis and must weigh the ethical dilemmas that go to the heart of community values and standards.
"The international bodies that are sending representatives to this landmark meeting are crucial in facilitating the debates that must be held on these issues - carefully considering the sometimes conflicting, political, scientific, ethical, cultural and moral viewpoints.
"This is a unique opportunity for Australia to support international discussion amongst bioethics advisory bodies, whilst also learning ways of improving our own approach," Professor Pettigrew said.
The meeting begins with a reception this evening and will continue over this weekend at Canberra's National Convention Centre.