Wishing you good times, good cheer, and a memorable New Year, Global Bioethics Initiative invites students and professionals worldwide to attend bioethics summer programs in 2016! Partial Scholarships for participants residing in low-income countries & Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available. Please visit our summer school website and Apply Now! Global Bioethics Initiative (GBI) is dedicated to fostering public awareness and understanding of bioethical issues, and to exploring solutions to bioethical challenges.
In the News
Design-A-Baby! Human TraitSelection Might Be Just Around the Corner
Following an International Summit on Human Gene Editing in Washington D.C. earlier this month, scientists in the U.S. are now allowed to experiment on human genes, as long as it does not result in a pregnancy. The summit was organized after scientists in China successfully used CRISPR, a DNA editing tool, to genetically modify human embryos. Click here to read more. Watch the amazing video here.
Belgium’s Euthanasia Laws Come Under Scrutiny
Following a Dateline Documentary that aired in September 2015, Belgium’s struggle with its controversial euthanasia legislation has exploded. The law allows people to voluntarily have their lives ended by doctors even when they’re not terminally ill, so long as they are experiencing “incurable, unbearable suffering.” Since the law was passed, the number of patients seeking death for mental suffering has skyrocketed. Even children can elect to end their lives under this legislation. Click here to read more. Watch the video here.
Summer School 2015 Participants’
Testimonials
I am so grateful for having the chance to participate in the Global Bioethics Initiative International Summer School as a GBI intern. Not only was I able to learn more directly about bioethical issues that I had previously learned about in college classes, but I was able to make contacts with professors and industry leaders that will be so valuable in the
future. – Remy Servis, Washington University in St. Louis
I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my first summer working in New York City. I truly enjoyed participating in the Summer School, as well as working as an intern and learning the behind the scenes operations of a non-governmental organization. – Agata Ferretti, Universita Degli Studi of Milan
Thank you very much for the opportunity to not only work as an intern but be a part of the summer school program. It was a wondering unique experience, and I have learned so much! It is an honor to be a part of GBI, and I hope GBI becomes even bigger in the coming years. – Grace Kim, Arizona State University
Today the International Bioethics Summer School Students visited to the New York Genome Center. At the center, our group learned about how biomedical research and genome sequencing provide solutions to serious disease and ultimately save lives. During the discussion, our guide expressed the importance of considering all ethical issues that arise with new technologies including informed consent, anonymity of data, and proper storage of research materials. The tour of the New York Genome Center accurately displayed the ethical implications of genome sequencing in a real world setting, and it was an enlightening experience. – Kristina Jacobsson, Trinity School, Harvard College Bachelor’s Degree Candidate
GBI Ongoing Internship Program
Global Bioethics Initiative accepts applications for unpaid internships for students interested in bioethics. These internships provide students with the opportunity to learn about pertinent issues in global health and bioethics and gain skills in research, project management, and organizing events. Candidates interested in interning with GBI should contact the Executive Director, Dr. Ana Lita at alita@globalbioethics.org. Read more here. Students may intern with GBI as well as attend the summer programs.
Pictures and Videos
Check out our Summer School Website for detailed lectures, power point presentations, and readings, as well as photos with faculty and students in 2015. Watch a video clip made by our youngest summer school participant, Syra Mehdi interviewing Professor Jonathan Moreno.
