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 45 employees. The majority work in Tromsø (Norway) but the Institute is also represented in Trondheim (Norway), Christchurch (New Zealand), Berkeley (USA), Nanjing (China), Lusaka (Zambia), Geneve (Switzerland) 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 Emeritus, Worldwatch Institute)

Jan Larsen
(Senior Adviser, University of Tromsø)

Sissel Rogne
(Director, The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board)

Peter Johan Schei
(Director, The Fridtjof Nansen Institute)

Grethe S. Tell
(Professor, University of Bergen)

Idun Grønsberg
Employee elected board member

Management 

Scientific Director, Thomas Bøhn

Managing Director, Harald Valen

Further information

GenØk leaflet