gms | German Medical Science

In November 2024, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) published its new, evolved horizon scan (HS) infographic, suggesting when advancing areas of biomedical and health innovation could evoke ethical implications.

The NCOB HS graphic is based on a UK-focussed longlist of 51 salient topics in biomedicine and health. The longlist was generated through extensive desk-based research and qualitative stakeholder insights, including a survey of organisations and relevant specialists, 1:1 meetings and horizon scanning workshops. Topics were then ‘timeframed’ into short- (<5 years), medium- (5–10 years) and long-term (<10 years) according to an ‘enabler’ assessment of political, regulatory and commercial signals, as well as academic and public interest.

A timeframed HS informs our sector on which topics are currently at the forefront of today’s political and commercial interest, indicating they may soon raise ethical concerns; and which topics are not yet on the political agenda, but are capturing the attention of funders and researchers, suggesting potential future implications. These insights could assist with resource allocation and ensure advice is timely.

Establishing a timeframed HS is a complex task. This is the first year we have attempted it, and we are keen for its evolution to be an iterative process, harnessing stakeholder feedback and suggestions for improvement.

The NCOB HS graphic, alongside further details of our data and methodology, can be viewed on our website here: www.nuffieldbioethics.org/the-future/horizon-scan-2024/