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Human space activity has been received more attention in the past years due to high-profile rocket launches and increased commercial interest from private companies aiming to profit from satellite launches, space tourism, asteroid mining and related ventures. In 2023 alone, a record-breaking of over 193 launches were operated. These major new developments in this field could have significant ethical implications for humans and the environment. Concerns range from the lack of adequate regulation covering private entities in space law to the environmental impacts of the increased frequency of space activities and space debris (over 30,000 objects at present). Other questions include the geopolitical implications of the “race for permanence in space”, the environmental protection of celestial bodies from human presence (for example life on Mars), the unequal repartition of resources from asteroid mining linked to the iniquities inherent in access to space or the introduction of minerals from outer space on Earth and its consequences on our ecological. 

Quantum computing is another fast-emerging technology that is stepping rapidly into industry-specific applications. It is an ultimate catalyst of technological convergence: the unprecedented capacity of quantum computers, which leverages the unique properties of quantum mechanics, is set to exponentially boost AI aspects such as machine learning, optimization, and data analysis, by providing the ability to perform calculations and operations faster and more efficiently than the most powerful classical computer. Quantum computing’s unprecedented computational power could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as drug discovery, climate modelling, finance and cybersecurity, but can also pose new challenges to privacy and security, such as the ability to break traditional encryption methods. If the technologies are still emergent, the global quantum computing market is projected to reach USD 949 million by 2025. The need for ethical guidelines is therefore essential for developing secure quantum communication protocols and protecting individuals’ privacy. This topic is particularly timely as the COMEST ethics report will be launched in 2025 during the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. 

Synthetic biology is a field of research that can be described as the engineering of biology, combining elements of biology, engineering, genetics, chemistry, and computer science. It involves redesigning simple and complex biological organisms for useful purposes, by engineering tissues, cells, or the organism as a whole, enabling them to display functions that do not exist in nature. It has two subfields: one uses unnatural molecules to reproduce emergent behaviours from natural biology, with the goal of creating artificial life (artificial chemical systems or biological organisms); the other seeks interchangeable parts from natural biology to assemble into systems that act unnaturally. This field offers immense possibilities for enhancing human welfare, but presents significant ethical challenges regarding biosafety, biosecurity, impact on the environment and future generations, intellectual property and the equitable sharing of benefits. 

There is no health without mental health. There is a significant degree of urgency to address mental health given the prevailing burden of mental disorder worldwide and the widespread treatment gap. There is also growing awareness of the social determinants of health and mental health, many of which are the product of inequities and thus important targets of social justice and rights-based approaches to global health. The mental health landscape has been profoundly affected by recent global events related to the social determinants, including the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, ongoing political conflicts, large-scale displacement for political and environmental reasons. Moreover, the digital world and the impact of social media and emerging technologies on social interactions has also significantly affected mental health. Risks can manifest themselves at all stages of life, but those that occur during developmentally sensitive periods, especially early childhood, are particularly detriment, hence the committee is considering focusing on mental health of children and youth.