Cold War bioethics: human research ethics in Central and Eastern Europe, 1945-present

The foundations of the post-World War II field of bioethics lie to a great extent in human research ethics and the Nuremberg Code. The modern institutions of bioethics are dominated by a Western perspective that focuses on respect for autonomy and informed consent. A focus on the opposing ideological, social and cultural systems in Central and Eastern Europe opens up dramatically new perspectives.

Building on extensive previous work, and through innovative use of source material, this project will reconceptualise customary notions about the nature and limits of bioethics.