Empirical Bioethics Summer School

Target audience

The Summer School is designed to be a beginner/intermediate level course, aimed at researchers (from PhD student to postdocs) who have some familiarity with empirical bioethics already. This might be through previous introductory training, engagement with the literature, or because you are currently (or soon) working on a research project in which empirical data, moral theory and moral reasoning is included. Whilst it is open to all, in the event that we are oversubscribed, priority will be given to applicants at this level and who are engaging in empirical bioethics research activities. Furthermore, we will take care to ensure diversity when it comes to scientific disciplines, level of research experience and international representation.

Organizing and scientific committee

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Abstract

The 4th Empirical Bioethics Summer School (18-21 May 2026; Ghent University, Belgium)

The Empirical Bioethics Summer School will take place at the University of Ghent (Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent)

The Empirical Bioethics Summer and Winter schools have been developed by Jonathan Ives (University of Bristol), Michael Dunn (National University of Singapore), Jan Schildmann (MLU Halle-Wittenberg) and Bert Molewijk (Amsterdam UMC & VU university) since 2020. In 2026 we are pleased to announce that our colleague Veerle Provoost, has joined the organizing team and will be hosting the event in the beautiful city of Ghent. As usual, several other international experts will contribute as guest lecturers. Building on the work of Jaap Kruithof and Leo Apostel, who founded the Moral Sciences program at Ghent University in the early 1960’s, Ghent University’s Bioethics Institute Ghent and its department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences have a long tradition of applying and teaching empirical research methods to enrich ethical analysis and gain insight into decision-making revolving bioethical issues.

Objectives

By bringing together key experts who have made leading methodological contributions to the empirical bioethics literature, the 2026 Summer School aims to pass on practical academic insights and provide specific guidance and training to researchers from various academic backgrounds working in bioethics. In so doing, we aim to enable those attending to

i) gain an understanding of how empirical methods can inform normative ethical analysis and vice versa, and

ii)  acquire the skills needed to realise the potential of using empirical methods, ethical theory and moral reasoning, in an integrated way, in their own research projects.

Core Content

• an introduction to empirical bioethics
• an exploration of key typologies of empirical bioethics
• design of empirical bioethics research projects & empirical research methods
• the theoretical foundations and methodological approaches for integrating empirical methods with ethical analysis
• opportunities for attendees to present their own research work and projects to receive tailored support and feed-back from both teachers and peers

Dates and venue

18 - 21 May 2026

Ghent University

Registration

• As from the 15th of January 2026, we will open the registration for applicants. By then you will also find more information on the details of the Spring School at: http://www.xendens.com/summerschool 

• Please register via this link.
• Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

• The no show policy applies.

Registration fee

The Summer School is supported by the Doctoral Schools Program of Ghent University. This support covers the costs of the teaching and facilities. There will be a small participation fee to cover other costs, including 1 dinner, 4 lunches, and refreshments. The fee is 295. You will be responsible for all other costs, including arranging your own accommodation in Ghent and travel expenses.

We also have funding to support 3 travel bursaries (600 Euro) for participants from lower- and middle-income countries. When you apply, please specify that you are interested in one of these bursaries. In addition to this bursary, we will help you find affordable accommodation.

Number of participants

Maximum 35 

Language

English

Evaluation method

After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.