GenØk - Centre for Biosafety was founded in 1998 and is a non-commercial foundation located in the research environment at the University of Tromsø and Forskningsparken (the Science Park). GenØk is engaged in research and teaching in the professional field Gene Ecology. The Foundation focuses in particular on the environmental and health related consequences of the application of gene technology and gene modifi cation. GenØk is also engaged in the broad dissemination of information and offers advisory and consulting services in its field of expertise.

The Institute has 23 employees. The majority work in Tromsø (Norway) but the Institute is also represented in Trondheim (Norway), Christchurch (New Zealand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). GenØk is part of a national and international cooperative network. The network encompasses Norwegian research institutions as well as internationally recognised research environments and independent NGO’s. Our closest co-operating partners are Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety (University of Christchurch, New Zealand), TWN (Third World Network) and the University of Tromsø.

GenØk was previously named The Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology (GenØk).

Board of Directors

Aina Bartmann, Chairman
(Project Manager, Farmers Market / Food Safety Adviser, The Federation of Norwegian Agricultural Co-operatives)

Øystein Dahle
(Chairman, Worldwatch Institute)

Jan Larsen
(Deputy University Director, University of Tromsø)

Ørjan Olsvik
(Director Nofima, Professor, Department of Microbiology and Virology, University of Tromsø)

Sissel Rogne
(Director, The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board)

Peter Johan Schei
(Director, The Fridtjof Nansen Institute)

Grete S. Tell
(Professor University of Bergen)

Katrine Jaklin (employee representative)
(Project Manager, Biosafety Capacity Building, GenØk)

Management

Managing Director,Trond Skotvold

Scientific Director, Professor Terje Traavik

For further information please take a look at the annual report 2005 or the information brochure.