The ICNE is independent of trade organisations, unions and professional associations. It has its headquarters at the University of Surrey [European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences], Guildford, UK. It was launched at the University in June 1999.

The ICNE promotes international research, development of ethics teaching, cross-cultural discussion and understanding, and ethical inter-professional and inter-agency co-operation. It runs regular conferences and seminars.

The ICNE has as its vehicle the international peer-reviewed academic journal, Nursing Ethics, published by Arnold (ISSN 0969-7330), which appears six times a year. News of ICNE developments is featured in the journal.

The ICNE puts special emphasis on:

• The characteristic features and outlook of nursing
• Empirical research in ethics, values and accountability
• Cross-cultural discussion
• Inter-professional and inter-agency collaboration
• Practice-based ethical problem-solving
• Human Rights (the ICNE makes Human Rights Awards for Nurses every two years)
• Teaching ethics - international perspectives

The ICNE's aims are to create an international discussion forum, an interchange for cross-cultural research, and opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral working, publishing scholarly works, developing open learning materials, and generating a resource of information in the field.

The ICNE is associated with the international peer-reviewed journal Nursing Ethics published by Arnold (ISSN 0969-7330), six issues per annum. For information about subscribing and contributing to the journal go to: http://www.nursing-ethics.com/