The Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission (EC) is one of the most important instruments for public funding of research and technological development.
Besides the scientific assessment of each proposal, the ethical issues raised in them are evaluated in accordance with the current European legislation and the ethical principles laid down in the international declarations supported by Member States. Such ethical review is organized by the 鈥淕overnance and Ethics鈥?Unit (Directorate-General for Research), although it is done by professionals from different sectors and backgrounds who register themselves voluntary in a database.