Sergio Romeo-Malanda

Dr. Sergio Romeo-Malanda is an Associate Professor of Criminal Law at the Faculty of Legal Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain), with an adjunct appointment at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). He holds leadership roles such as Vice-Dean (International) at the Faculty of Legal Sciences and formerly served as Director of International Relations (2015-2021). Educated at the University of Deusto (Bilbao, Spain), he earned a Law degree (1999) and a PhD in 2005 on Genetic Interventions and Criminal Law. His research bridges criminal law and biomedical law, focusing on genetic criminality, DNA evidence, medical liability, abortion law, euthanasia, and bioethical issues in biomedicine. He co-edited the Manual de Bioderecho (2022) and authored works on mitochondrial replacement techniques, end-of-life decisions, and gamete regulation. Active in governance, he chairs the International Network of Biolaw and serves on ethics committees for healthcare and biobanks.

Education

• Bachelor of Laws, University of Deusto, 1999
• PhD in Law, University of Deusto, 2005 (Thesis: Genetic Interventions on Human Beings and Criminal Law)

Research Focus

His work explores the intersection of criminal law with biomedical advancements, particularly in genetic technologies, medical ethics, and legal responses to bioethical challenges. Key themes include:

• Genetic evidence in criminal proceedings
• Criminal liability in healthcare (e.g., medical malpractice)
• Legal frameworks for biobanks and genetic privacy
• Abortion law and minors' rights in Spain
• End-of-life decision-making

Professional Affiliations

• President, Association of Bioethics and Biolaw of the Canary Islands
• Member, Ethics Committee of Hospital Negrín (Gran Canaria)
• Member, Ethics Committee of the Spanish Platform of Biomodels and Biobanks

Publications Overview

His 19+ publications span biolaw, criminal justice, and bioethics, with recent emphasis on reproductive technologies (e.g., mitochondrial replacement) and legal aspects of end-of-life care. He prioritizes interdisciplinary approaches to address emerging legal challenges in biomedical fields.