The principal aim of BioNews is to provide accurate, balanced and timely news and comment on genetics, assisted conception, embryo/stem cell research and related areas. Since the launch of BioNews in 1999, it has been one of the principal means via which the Progress Educational Trust (PET) has sought to improve public and professional understanding of, and engagement with, these fields.

In addition to explaining the science behind the headlines, BioNews covers the political, legal, ethical and broader social issues that arise from controversial developments. Its news, comment and reviews - available for free on this website and also via its email newsletter and RSS feed - provide an invaluable roundup of essential news and views for anyone with a professional or personal interest in this area of biomedicine. The editors of BioNews, have total editorial control of its content. In producing this publication, they are bound only by honest reporting and scientific accuracy.

BioNews specialises in material that is that is simultaneously targeted at lay and specialist audiences – comprehensible by the former, but nonetheless regarded as valuable and authoritative by the latter. It strives to represent a wide range of public and professional viewpoints, and to respond rapidly to issues when they trigger media debate. It also aims to contribute to the training of the next generation of science writers, by offering the opportunity to write for BioNews and join its successful internship scheme.

BioNews is entirely dependent on voluntary donations and sponsorship, and we are extremely grateful to the UK Government's Department of Health and to the Wellcome Trust for their generous support, which allowed us to redevelop and relaunch BioNews on its 10th anniversary in 2009. If you would like to help keep the BioNews service freely available to all, please donate your money or time to BioNews or become a Friend of PET. If you are unable to do so, you can still help us by registering with and subscribing to BioNews, and encouraging your friends and colleagues to do likewise.