The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board is an independent body consisting of 21 members appointed by the Norwegian government. Each member has a background and/or education which makes him/her competent to discuss questions regarding modern biotechnology. Eight members of the board represent different public organisations. The main tasks of the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board is to evaluate the social and ethical consequences of modern biotechnology and to discuss usage which promotes sustainable development.
Former Minister Kristin Halvorsen has been appointed Chair of the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board as of 1 January 2014. Halvorsen replaces Lars Ødegård, who has chaired the Board since 2004. New Deputy Chair is Bjørn Myskja, professor at NTNU.
The following members and deputy members have been appointed for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017:
Chair: Kristin Halvorsen, Oslo
Deputy Chair: Professor Bjørn Kåre Myskja, Trondheim
Members:
Science Director Nils Vagstad, Ås
Researcher Fern Elizabeth Wickson, Tromsø
Researcher Arne Holst-Jensen, Oslo
Director Bernadette Nimal Kumar, Oslo
Chief Physician Torolf Holst-Larsen, Haugesund
Professor and Chief Physician Benedicte Paus, Oslo
Professor Gunnar Heiene, Oslo
Professor Raino S.E. Malnes, Oslo
Chief Advisor Bente Sandvig, Bærum
Former Member of Parliament Sonja Irene Sjøli, Eidsvoll
Student Birgit Lovise Røkkum Skarstein, Oslo
Science Director Petter Frost, Bergen
Professor Inge Lorange Backer, Oslo
Varamedlemmer:
Professor Dag Inge Våge, Ås
Associate Professor Terje Mesel, Kristiansand
Researcher Cathrine Bjorvatn, Bergen
Professor Ole Christian Fauchald, Bærum
Professor May Thorseth, Trondheim