PGBC 2025 – Disruption in Bioethics – Call for abstracts

We are delighted to announce that the Postgraduate Bioethics Conference (PGBC) – the UK’s friendliest bioethics conference, run by and for postgraduates -  is back for 2025 and will be held at the Ethox Centre, Oxford on 4-5 September! 

We now invite abstracts on any aspect of this year’s theme – Disruption in Bioethics. Abstracts will be accepted via the portal until Weds 7 May. General registration for PGBC 2025 will open in early June. 

About the theme 

Bioethics has always been a disruptive field, challenging the status quo and bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives to address society’s most impactful questions around health and science. In light of environmental, sociopolitical, technological and economic developments across the world, bioethics’ disruptive role has arguably never been more essential. 

We take a broad view of disruption, and welcome abstracts from any discipline exploring disruption in bioethics. This could look like (but is not limited to): 

•         Methodological disruption: using non-traditional methodologies to gain new or improved insights into bioethical challenges, or to promote engagement with important bioethical work
•         Decolonising and amplifying voices: moving beyond the Global North and Western-centric frameworks, and what we can learn from social, political and/or philosophical plurality
•         Unexpected convergences: intersections of bioethical research, culture and the arts; what bioethics can learn from ethical principles in action outside health and science
•         Disruptive theories: radical departures from, or reframings of established bioethical principles
•         Reshaping policy and practice: tensions between academic research and real-world ethical decision-making; inclusion, participation and social responsibility in research for policy impact; identifying gaps in the policy and practice lifecycle for ethical intervention

The above are just some ideas of what might fall under the umbrella of disruption in bioethics, but we take an open-minded approach! 

Abstracts are limited to 500 words, should be in the English language and not contain any identifying information (such as your name or institution). 

Accessibility 

PGBC 2025 will take place in-person and online to facilitate attendance by as many as possible. The majority of the conference will be accessible to both remote and in-person delegates. 

We are committed to being as inclusive as possible and can offer a number of small travel bursaries annually to those who would otherwise not be able to attend. Please note, however, that these are unlikely to be able to cover international travel and so we advise delegates who are based outside the UK to seek alternative funding or to consider presenting online. 

We also have a fund for those with caring responsibilities who would need to make alternative arrangements in order to attend, and to cover access needs of disabled delegates. Please do contact us with any questions about this on pgbioethics@ime-uk.org. 

About PGBC 

PGBC has often been described as the UK’s friendliest bioethics conference, and PGBC 2025 looks set to be no exception. Each year we have multiple streams covering different areas of interest, with a supportive ethos – it doesn’t matter whether this is your first time presenting or your hundredth, you will be welcomed warmly and are sure to have a great experience! Unlike many conferences, we provide one night of accommodation, an evening social and full catering – all for a small (refundable!) deposit on registration. 

We have plenaries aimed at building skills and navigating a career in bioethics, as well as eminent keynote speakers from a range of ethics backgrounds. As an example, PGBC 2024 in Cambridge saw an early career session with panellists from clinical practice, academia and policy; a session on publishing advice, and keynotes from Alex Ruck Keene KC (Barrister and Visiting Professor, KCL), Dr Pete Mills (Director, PHG Foundation) and Dr Zoe Fritz (Wellcome Fellow in Society & Ethics, University of Cambridge). 

Timeline 

Abstract submissions will close at 11:59pm (UK time) on Weds 7 May. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

Abstracts are reviewed anonymously by multiple reviewers to ensure fairness. Those whose abstracts are selected for presentation will be informed by email in the week beginning 19 May.