On September 17, 2015, the NEN (Netherlands Standardization Institute) will host the workshop ‘Ethical Impact Assessment for Research and Innovation’. The Workshop is organized by the SATORI project and will assess the feasibility of European consensus for such a framework.
Undoubtedly, epidemics and pandemics are good examples of extraordinary circumstances that may require extraordinary measures. Such exceptionality, however, should not provide an alibi for pandemic planners and policy makers to ignore fundamental human rights. This is why ethics should always be a key element to be considered when planning a proper response to such global health threats.
