Research Ethics & Ethical, Legal & Social Issues

February 4, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm | Online

The Ethics and Politics of Gun Violence Research

Robert  Cottrol, PhD, Harold Paul Green Research Professor of Law, and Professor of History and Sociology, The George Washington University

Gun violence is one of today’s most urgent public health challenges, taking thousands of lives and leaving countless others injured each year. Despite this toll, research into the causes and prevention of gun violence often faces significant hurdles, from political resistance and limited funding to deep social divides. Addressing this complex issue requires a strong commitment to ethics, scientific rigor, and collaboration across research, advocacy, and policy. At its core, this effort is about turning moral urgency into meaningful, evidence-based action to prevent harm and save lives.

Registration

Sponsored by the Bioethics Interest Group of Milken Institute of Public Health at The George Washington University

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February 18, 2023 | Noon - 1:00 pm | Online

Avoiding Bias In Research Trials: The Ethics of Socioeconomic Opportunities

Wendy Ellis, DrPH, MPH, Inaugural Director, Institute for Socioeconomic Opportunity, Assistant Professor, Global Health, School of Public Health,
Director, Center for Community Resilience, The George Washington University

The ethics of socioeconomic opportunity in research centers on ensuring that a person’s income or social status never becomes a barrier or a source of unfair treatment. Ethical research means more than just following rules; it’s about respect, fairness, and inclusion. This includes obtaining truly informed consent, protecting privacy, minimizing harm, and promoting social justice.

Researchers have a responsibility to avoid both excluding and overburdening vulnerable populations, while ensuring that the benefits of research are shared fairly. Ultimately, ethical research should help reduce inequalities, not reinforce them, creating knowledge that serves all communities, not just a privileged few.

Registration

Sponsored by the Bioethics Interest Group of Milken Institute of Public Health at The George Washington University

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February 20, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm | A115 Public Health (and online by request)

Taking a Closer Look: Fine Lines, Bold Claims, and DNA-based Facial Phenotyping

Jennifer K. Wagner, JD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Law, Policy, and Engineering and Anthropology, Penn State University

AI-enabled, DNA-based facial phenotyping has recognizable potential for forensic applications if responsibly and rigorously developed. Specifically, the ability to predict an individual’s appearance (i.e., externally visible characteristics of all sorts but perhaps most notably an individual’s face) could offer significant investigative leads if it could be reliably, accurately, and precisely deciphered from forensic DNA samples for which no DNA identification profile match is available. While the genetic science and technology have been accelerating, the resulting facial gestalts remain largely proof-of-concept—notwithstanding reported instances in which such approaches have been used to assist law enforcement in real world cases. While recent attempts to advance the techniques are commendable for submitting to peer-review (rather than working behind proprietary cloaks), they nevertheless exemplify common deficiencies in forensic science and illustrate the need to impel better practices amongst geneticists performing research in this area. The multidisciplinary collaborations necessary to identify, examine, and address the many serious ethical, legal, social, and policy challenges raised by AI-enabled, DNA-based facial phenotyping must be undertaken now—not shelved for a later date as a wicked puzzle for others to untangle. This presentation highlights recent research taking a closer look at the fine lines, bold claims, and DNA-based facial phenotyping for forensics, exploring both technical limitations and policy gaps with the purpose of encouraging better practices and collaborative governance for AI-based innovation and science-based, evidence-based policy.

In-person participation is preferred; contact resi@pitt.edu to receive information to join online.

Co-sponsored by the Department of Human Genetics and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative of Pitt Research

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February 20, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:30 pm | 3106 Posvar Hall (tentative location)

ARGGH! Anthropologists, Race, and Genetics Governance Hurdles

Jennifer K. Wagner, JD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Law, Policy, and Engineering and Anthropology, Penn State University

This talk will draw on empirical research on the perspectives of anthropologists on race, genetics and ancestry and highlight practical challenges posed by the report published by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the use of population descriptors in human genetics research. It will explore the role of anthropologists in shaping the responsible use of population descriptors in human genetics research and facilitating trust and support in science.

Co-sponsored by the Department of Anthropology and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative of Pitt Research

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February 23, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm | Online

The Ethics of Exposing Third Parties to Research Risks

David Wendler, MA, PhD, Acting Chief, Department of Bioethics, NIH

Ethical and regulatory evaluation of biomedical research tends to focus on protecting participants. Yet, biomedical research can also pose risks to third parties (i.e., individuals other than the participants or researchers). For example, participation in a study of a potential TB vaccine posed a risk of viral shedding and consequent transmission to sex partners and fetuses. In another study, the necessary travel and extended time away from home posed risks to an ill sibling. To what extent should researchers and IRBs take these risks into account when designing studies, conducting research, and enrolling participants? Do researchers have an obligation to modify their studies to reduce the risks to third parties? Is it appropriate to exclude individuals from research when their participation poses risks to others? Dr. Wendler will present his perspectives on these questions, drawing on his experience as a research bioethicist and member of the Bioethics Consultation Service at the NIH. Members of the University of Pittsburgh's Research Ethics Consultation Service will then provide a response.

Registration

Sponsored by the Research Consultation Service (RECS) and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative of Pitt Research

The University of Pittsburgh’s Research Ethics Consultation Service (RECS) serves the entire research ecosystem at Pitt: scholars, researchers and members of research teams, as well as research oversight committee members. RECS consultants help researchers in all disciplines think through the ethical and conceptual questions that arise in their research. For more information or to request a consultation, visit https://www.research.pitt.edu/RECS.

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March 2, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm (with continued discussion until 1:30) | online and in person in the 4th floor conference room of UPMC Mercy Pavillion (1622 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219)

Co-Designing Research Studies:  What Neural Engineering Researchers and Participants Want You to Know

Amy Flick, PhD, Teaching Assistant Professor of English – Public Communication of Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh

Registration

Sponsored by the Center for Research Ethics and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative of Pitt Research

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March 4, 2026 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Online

The Future of Research Ethics: Threats & Opportunities

Speakers include Drs. Christine Grady (former-Chair of Bioethics, NIH), Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo (Editor-in-Chief of JAMA; UCSF), Barbara Bierer (Harvard Medical School), Susan Garfinkel (former-Director of Investigative Oversight, Office of Research Integrity, DHHS), Arthur Lupia (VP for Research & Innovation, University of Michigan), and Profs. Holly Fernandez Lynch (University of Pennsylvania), Brendan Parent (NYU Grossman School of Medicine), Vence Bonham (Meharry Medical College), Maya Sabatello (Columbia University), and Efthimios Parasidis (Ohio State University).

Speakers will consider the impact of significant changes in federal ethics personnel and research funding, including debate about overhead (“indirect cost”) recovery on grants, which at many institutions supports crucial ethics oversight. This conference will consider how to preserve key safeguards while making improvements.

Registration

Sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Research & Innovation Office (RIO); Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences; Masonic Cancer Center; and Clinical Translational Science Institute

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March 5, 2026 | Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch St. Louis, Missouri

Research Integrity Scholars & Educators Pre-Conference Workshop on Mentoring (@ the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics - APPE)

Building and maintaining research integrity programs requires innovative and effective approaches to strengthening mentoring. Whether responding to NIH or NSF mandates to provide mentor training or partnering with institution-wide mentor training programs, it is essential to offer structured opportunities for faculty to learn about the importance of mentorship and develop mentoring skills for fostering stronger mentoring relationships. RCR professionals should be aware of best practices in effective mentorship and have toolkits that include, among other things, example mentoring agreements to help faculty and mentees set shared goals and expectations for these relationships, and develop a system that tracks and provides meaningful evaluation of how a mentoring program is functioning.

The 2026 APPE RISE Pre-Conference Workshop will focus on mentoring in research. Participants will learn about various successful mentoring program curricula, best practices, and tools for fostering effective mentoring relationships. The program will feature Invited sessions that demonstrate specific approaches to mentor education or share tools that might be helpful in mentor education. This year’s workshop will also feature a roundtable session, in which selected presenters will share information about a mentoring curriculum, tool, or strategy, followed by a discussion with all workshop attendees. The remainder of the workshop will be devoted to breakout sessions, where presenters will work with participants to develop and adapt ideas and tools for use in their institutions. Attendees will leave the workshop with a template of options to use in building and improving their mentoring program.

Additional information: RISE Pre-conference | Registration

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April 6, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm (with continued discussion until 1:30) | online and in person in the 4th floor conference room of UPMC Mercy Pavillion (1622 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219)

Series on Co-Design continues; speaker and topic TBA

Sponsored by the Center for Research Ethics and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative of Pitt Research

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June 22 - 24, 2026 | Chapel Hill, NC, and online

7th Annual ELSI Congress

The ELSI Congress brings together scholars who are dedicated to understanding and shaping the impact of genomic science on society, and to share research, exchange ideas, and influence the future of the field. Conference submissions are accepted until February 16. Registration opens March 9.

Conference website

February 2, 2026 | Noon – 1:00 pm (with continued discussion until 1:30) | Online and in-person in Room 113 Barco Law Building

Emerging from a Diagnostic and Treatment Odyssey, Sharing the Experience of Resistance

Laura Delano, author of Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance

In her memoir, Delano details her struggle with mental healthcare, beginning when she received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at the age of 13. She subsequently spent 14 years struggling with the mental healthcare system, the diagnoses she was assigned, and the medications she was prescribed. Delano describes herself as passionate about sharing what she learned through her experience and as being neither “pro” or “anti” psychiatric treatment. Instead, she advocates for patients being more fully informed regarding their health, treatment options, and medications than she was when she entered the mental health system.

Complementing Delano’s talk, an exhibit, Hysteria: Then and Now will open on February 2 at the Hyland Gallery, in Hillman Library.  (It is created by students from the Health Humanities Research Lab of Kaliane Ung, PhD). The History of Medicine Collection in Falk Library will also present an exhibit, Mothers of Psychoanalysis, curated by Cassie Nespor, that highlights contributions of early-20th-century female psychoanalysts.

Registration

This talk in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) Bioethics and Health Humanities Lecture Series is co-sponsored by the SHRS and the Gender and Science Initiative

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February 2, 2026 | 7:00 – 8:15 pm | Riverstone Books, 5841 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh

A Reading and Conversation with Laura Delano, author of Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance, with Theresa Brown (author of Critical Care; The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patients' Lives; and Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient and frequent contributor to The New York Times)

Laura Delano will read from her memoir describing her struggle with mental healthcare, beginning when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 13. She subsequently spent 14 years struggling with the mental healthcare system, the diagnoses she was assigned, and the medications s prescribed. Delano describes herself as passionate about sharing what she learned through her experience and as neither “pro” or “anti” psychiatric treatment. Instead, she advocates for patients being more fully informed regarding their mental health, treatment options, and medications than she was when she entered the mental health system as an adolescent.

Books will be available for sale and signing.

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February 3, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm |Online and in-person in 413 Western Psychiatric Hospital

A Conversation with Clinicians about the Diagnostic and Medication Odyssey

Laura Delano, author of Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance

In her memoir, Delano details her struggle with mental healthcare, beginning when she received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at the age of 13. She subsequently spent 14 years struggling with the mental healthcare system, the diagnoses she was assigned, and the medications she was prescribed. Delano describes herself as passionate about sharing what she learned through her experience and as being neither “pro” or “anti” psychiatric treatment. She advocates for patients being more fully informed regarding their health, treatment options, and medications than she was when she entered the mental health system.

Complementing Delano’s talk, an exhibit, Hysteria: Then and Now will open on February 2 at the Hyland Gallery, in Hillman Library.  (It is created by students from the Health Humanities Research Lab of Kaliane Ung, PhD). The History of Medicine Collection in Falk Library will also present an exhibit, Mothers of Psychoanalysis, curated by Cassie Nespor, that highlights contributions of early-20th-century female psychoanalysts.

Attend in-person, or join via Teams

This talk is co-sponsored by the Institute for Bioethics and the Western Psychiatric Hospital Ethics Committee

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February 10, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:00 am | Online

Jewish Women Navigating Body Size, Religion, and Culture

Hilla Nehushtan, PhD, Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow, Jewish Studies, University of Pittsburgh

This talk examines how Jewish women in the United States navigate cultural, religious, and familial pressures related to body size. Drawing on interviews and historical analysis, it highlights how diet culture, gendered expectations, and ancestral narratives intersect in shaping women’s self-perceptions. The discussion provides valuable insights, for clinicians and others, regarding the lived experiences of women whose religious and cultural commitments intersect with conventional approaches to body image, care, and support.

Registration

Co-sponsored by the Institute for Bioethics, Department of Religious Studies, Jewish Studies Program, and Palliative and Supportive Institute

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March 3, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:00 am | Online

Spiritual Reformations of Medicine: Early Modern Beginnings and Contemporary Possibilities

Ekaterina N. Lomperis, PhD, Scott and Susan Orr Family Endowed Chair in Medical Humanities and Christian Faith, and Associate Professor of Medical Humanities, Baylor University

Early modernity witnessed unprecedented reformations in both religious belief and medical knowledge. At the time of the rise of Protestantism and the Catholic reform movement, new approaches to studying human anatomy laid the groundwork for the emergence of evidence-based medicine. This talk will discuss transformations of religious perspectives on medicine and healing during this era of reform and explore their implications for current intersections of spirituality and healthcare.

Registration

Co-sponsored by the Institute for Bioethics, Department of Religious Studies, Jewish Studies Program, and Palliative and Supportive Institute

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March 3, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm | Online

The Ethics of Public Health Information

Peter Loge, MA, MS, Director and Associate Professor, School of Media and Public Affairs, 
The George Washington University, and Director, Project on Ethics in Political Communication
Senior Fellow, Agirre Lehendakaria Center

Public health information shapes how people understand risks, make choices, and protect their well-being, but sharing it responsibly is not always simple. At the center of this challenge are questions of trust, transparency, and equity. How can we make sure accurate information reaches everyone, especially those in vulnerable communities? How can public health leaders inform the public without causing confusion, fear, or the spread of misinformation?

This session will dive into the ethical dilemmas of communicating health data, examining the roles and responsibilities of governments, researchers, and the media. We’ll explore how information, when shared effectively, can foster public trust, inform thoughtful decision-making, and promote health equity. By understanding these issues, we can strengthen the connection between knowledge and action to support healthier, more informed communities. If you are interested in taking part in this hybrid event or would like additional information, please email gwsphbig@gwu.edu.

Sponsored by the Bioethics Interest Group of Milken Institute of Public Health at The George Washington University

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March 5 – 8, 2026 | Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch St. Louis, Missouri

What Do We Owe Each Other? — Association for Practical and Professional Ethics 35th Annual Conference

In today’s complex world, what are our ethical responsibilities to each other? How do these responsibilities shift in times of crisis and catastrophe, or across our professional or personal lives? How do we stand up for what’s right—when it matters most, and when it seems to matter least?

Additional information: APPE | APPE Conference | Registration

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March 12 - 13, 2026 | Online

10th Annual Reproductive Ethics Conference

Controversies and challenges of reproductive ethics arise from new technologies, political and ideological divisions, theology, and changing cultural norms. The goal of this conference is to explore the range of topics addressed in reproductive ethics. Members of all professional fields are invited.

Details will be forthcoming.

Co-sponsored by the UTMB Institute for Bioethics and Health Humanities, Baylor College of Medicine Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and WellSpan Health

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March 18, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm | Online

Why Study Religion and Spirituality in Bioethics

Laurie Zoloth, PhD, Margaret E. Burton Professor of Religion and Ethics, Faculty of The Divinity School, The College, The Greenberg Center for Jewish Studies, The McLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, and the Program in Biomedical Science at The Pritzker School of Medicine

Irene Oh, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of World Religions, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, The George Washington University

Religion and spirituality play significant roles in how people perceive illness, healing, suffering, and end-of-life decisions. Yet these deep personal beliefs are often left out of medical and policy conversations. This webinar will explore how faith and spiritual values influence ethical decisions in healthcare—shaping issues such as patient autonomy, moral distress, and culturally responsive care. Experts in bioethics, theology, and public health will discuss why recognizing these perspectives is crucial and how a more holistic approach can foster trust, enhance communication, and support more
equitable, compassionate care for all.

Registration

Sponsored by the Bioethics Interest Group of Milken Institute of Public Health at The George Washington University

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April 10, 2026 | Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park, PA 15101, and online

How Language Shapes Medical Realities and Ethical Decisions — 33rd Annual Healthcare Ethics Conference

How we describe patients in chart notes, greet their family members, or talk about death—the language we use shapes the ethical decisions patients and their surrogates make. Choice of words affects choice of options. Language can intensify or de-escalate conflict. ‘Hope’ means different things to different families, patients, and clinicians. So does ‘prevention’ or ‘quality of life’. Through talks and panel discussion among nationally recognized experts, this conference will explore how the language used to describe treatment goals and interventions shapes ethical decision making.

Continuing education in health professions and law will be available. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to in-person attendees.

Registration and program TBA

Hosted by the Institute for Bioethics with support from the Passavant Hospital Foundation, the Ira R. Messer Family Foundation, the School of Law, and UPMC Ethics

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April 14, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:00 am | Online

The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Addiction and Recovery

John F. Kelly, PhD, Chief, Division of Addiction Treatment and Prevention, Mass General Brigham AMC, Department of Psychiatry, and Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Throughout history there have been reports of "cures" from serious illnesses including addiction involving spiritual and religious insights and transformations. These are still reported today and the therapeutic elements contained within spiritual and religious beliefs and practices are evident in healing and transformation in addiction for many. A question that has remained, is how exactly do spiritual and religious ideas and behavior help people with serious addiction problems achieve and maintain remission and recovery. This talk will describe the history and conceptual basis for the role of spirituality and religion in health and recovery and implications for clinical practice will be discussed. 

Registration

Co-sponsored by the Institute for Bioethics, Department of Religious Studies, Jewish Studies Program, and Palliative and Supportive Institute

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June 24, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:00 am | Parkvale Building, Suite 300, Room 305, and online via Teams

Palliative Care: Working in the Gray

Theresa Brown, RN, PhD, Author of Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient; The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patients' Lives; and Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between

Palliative care offers relief, an underrated treatment when curative options are no longer available to patients or will do more harm than good. The problem is, “curative options,” “harm,” and “good” are often in the eye of the beholder, or the physician, when patients with serious illness are unable to get significantly better, but their lives and sometimes function can be maintained with health care interventions. This talk will explore the gray areas of palliative care using clinical examples from the speaker’s work as an oncology and hospice nurse, and research for her next book, 4 Nurses. A key theme will be the role of hope in the care of serious illness. What counts as hope when a patient is dying? Is false hope better than no hope at all, or is that a false dichotomy?

Registration TBA

Co-sponsored by the Institute for Bioethics and Department of Medicine Section on Palliative Care and Medical Ethics