Sociedad Internacional de Bioética (SIBI)

Bioethics and human rights

Sociedad Internacional de Bioética (SIBI) is a scientific organization based in Gijón, Asturias, Spain, focused on bioethics and human rights. Its foundation was established in Gijón on December 5, 1997, and publicly introduced at Teatro Jovellanos and the city’s Gota de Leche building.

The organization connects its work to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, signed on April 3, 1997. It has also honored Council of Europe officials at Gijón City Hall.

Research and conferences

SIBI periodically organizes World Congresses of Bioethics. Its website provides programs, speaker information, and audiovisual material from the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th congresses. The 11th World Congress, held in Gijón in May 2021, focused on a “Global Commitment to the Rational (Responsible) Use of Biotechnology in Medicine and the Environment.” The society has also announced a 2026 bioethics congress in Bogotá, Colombia.

SIBI holds an annual lecture series called Aula Bioética, featuring speakers from academia and health care, and has organized joint events with Fundación Foro Jovellanos (FFJPA-SIBI).

Publications and awards

• The quarterly journal Convención de Bioética, focused on human rights
• Its own publications and library
• Premio Convenio/Convención de Asturias
• Premio SIBI
• Premio JGPA–SIBI
• Premio Marcelo Palacios

Scientific committee and partnerships

The society has its own scientific committee and collaboration agreements with institutions. In February 2019, it joined the University of Oviedo, regional government departments in Asturias, and the U.S. company MITRE for a meeting exploring opportunities to collaborate on health and well-being. It has also maintained a relationship with the Spanish Bioethics Committee.

Office and contact

Address: Plaza del Humedal 3, Gota de Leche Building, 33206 Gijón, Asturias, Spain.

• Phone: +34 98 534 81 85
• Email: bioetica@sibi.org
• Alternate email for publications: foro@jovellanos.org
• Alternate phone: +34 985 357 156

The website is available in 15 languages and shares information about its work, Gijón, and Asturias.