The ESF established a Liaison Committee on Recombinant DNA Research in January 1977.
A particular consideration is given in that Committee to the question of recombinant DNA legislation and the maintenance of an appropriate balance between the protection of public health on the one hand and freedom of scientific research on the other.
The Committee, which include representatives from EMBO, the NIH, and the Canadian Medical Research Council, plays a role in shaping the early regulation of recombinant DNA research in Europe, particularly in harmonizing guidelines with those in the United States.