Independent consultant in genomics, policy and bioethics.
Mark Bale has previously led UK Government policy related to research, healthcare and ethics with a focus on engaging with public, patients and diverse stakeholders to shape policy and delivery. Until March 2022 he was policy advisor and Programme Director for the 100,000 Genomes Project and seconded to Genomics England. He also acted as Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Health providing policy leadership in regenerative medicine, genome editing, precision medicine and rare diseases. Mark led the UK’s G7 Presidency work on global pathogen surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark is Chair of the Ethics Advisory Board for Our Future Health. He chaired Ireland’s Genetics and Genomics Strategy Steering Group and acted as Interim Director of Ireland’s National Genetics and Genomics Office leading implementation of enhanced genetic and genomic healthcare.
He has served on several international bodies, including the EU, OECD, WHO, UNESCO, and Council of Europe. He continues to represent the UK at the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Human Rights and Biomedicine focussed on genomics, horizon scanning and youth engagement.
