Conference Emerging Biotechnologies and Ethics

The rapid advancement of biotechnologies presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges across various domains of human life. The conference „Emerging Biotechnologies and Ethics“ at the Marsilius Kolleg of Heidelberg University seeks to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue between researchers and scholars engaged in ethical, philosophical, and social reflection on these advancements. By bringing together the very diverse perspectives from the sciences and the humanities, the conference aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, ethical, and societal implications of cutting-edge biotechnologies.

Date: 
28-30 November 2024

Venues: 
Neue Universität (28 Nov) and
Marsilius Kolleg (29/30 Nov)

Schedule

Table

Thursday, 28.11.2024:
19.00 - 22.00
Public Session: No Brain(er)!? - Science, Philosophy and Ethics of Neural Organoids
Nora Heinzelmann, S. Matthew Liao & Simone Mayer, Neue Aula (followed by a reception)
Friday, 29.11.2024:
09.00 - 09.30
Welcome and Introduction
09.30 - 11.00
Session #1: AI/Data Science and Bioethics
Lena Maier-Hein & S. Matthew Liao
11.00 - 11.30
Break
11.30 - 13.00
Session #2: Germline Editing and Theology
Michael Boutros & Friederike Nüssel
13.00 - 14.30
Lunch
14.30 - 16.00
Session #3: Biotechnology and Global Health/Justice
Till Bärnighausen & Nora Heinzelmann
16.00 - 16.30
Break
16.30 - 18.00
Session #4: Between Living and Non-Living I
Christine Selhuber-Unkel & Magnus Schlette
19.00 - 21.30
Conference Dinner
Saturday, 30.11.2024:
09.00 - 10.30
Session #5: ELSI of Genomic Newborn Screening
Christian Schaaf & Eva Winkler
10.30 - 11.00
Break
11.00 - 12.30
Session #6: Interventions in the Brain and Conciousness
Peer Fischer & Thomas Fuchs
12.30 - 13.00
Closing remarks
13.00 - 14.00
Lunch