Empirical Bioethics Summer School

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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.

Who is the Summer School for?

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.

We have places for approximately 35 participants.

How much will the Summer School cost?

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.

What are the aims of the Summer School?

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

How to register

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:
https://www.ugent.be/doctoralschool/en/doctoraltraining/courses/specialistcourses/empirical-bioethics-2526

Registration:
(requested information)
1. Nationality
2. Current academic institution, and country in which it is based
3. Current career stage
4. Level of experience with empirical bioethics?
5. How will you benefit from attending the course, and what are your learning needs? (max 200 words)
6. How would other participants benefit from you attending the course? (max 200 words)
7. I am based in a low/middle income country, and would like to apply for a travel bursary?
8. Do you have any particular access needs? If so, please let us know here. This will have no bearing on whether or not you are offered a place, but it will help us plan in advance and ensure that your needs are met
9. We will be providing lunches and a workshop dinner on the first night. Please let us know if you have any specific dietary needs (please say 'not applicable' if you have none)

The deadline for applications will be February 15. Applicants will be informed whether their application has been successful by the end of the first week of March.

Scientific committee

Prof. Bert Molewijk (Amsterdam UMC)
Prof. Jan Schildmann (Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg)
Prof. Michael Dunn (Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore)
Prof Jon Ives (Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol)
Prof. Veerle Provoost (Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University)

Local organising committee

Seppe van Bladel (PhD-student, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University)
Dorian Accoe (PhD-student, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University)
Lei Decappelle (PhD-student, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University)
Dr. Kato Verghote (Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University)
Dr. Michiel De Proost (Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University and VUBrussels, Ghent University)
Prof. Veerle Provoost (Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University)

Any questions?

Contact someone from the local organizing committee:
Prof. Veerle Provoost: veerle.provoost@ugent.be
Seppe van Bladel: seppe.vanbladel@ugent.be