Bioethics & Health Humanities - UMC Utrecht

New episode out on Neuroethics Today, where I interview Dr. Joshua May on his recent book!

I am happy to share a recent publication of the IEEE SA ICAP white paper on ethical guidelines for mental health apps. I had the privilege of working on the section dedicated to autonomy, a critical aspect of ethical considerations in mental health apps. Autonomy ensures that users have the power to make informed decisions regarding their mental health journey, a notion highly challenged in digital mental health tools. For instance, while mental health apps can enhance user autonomy, in other instances it can be undermined. This white paper serves as a valuable tool for developers, researchers, and policymakers to create mental health apps that are not only effective but also ethically sound. Special thanks to Matthew J. Dennis and Lily Frank for leading this effort. #EthicalTech #MentalHealth #DigitalWellness #IEEE #Privacy #Autonomy #TechForGood #AIethics https://lnkd.in/et8Cm9SQ

💫 Hello everyone, it is time for another "Meet Our BHH Colleagues"! In this series, we interview team members who bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to our department. 𝐖𝐡𝐨: Mariia Maksimova, PhD student 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡: Ethics of of brain organoids and genetic therapy for ultra-rare neurological diseases 𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐃: https://lnkd.in/eFQdzJwv 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞: Learning Dutch, playing video games, going to the cinema, and visiting friends all over the world. "Long story short, I accidentally fell in love with bioethics. I enjoy questioning our current norms and the possibility of thinking about how we, as a society, decide what is right and wrong. Before I started here, I worked for five years as a product marketing manager in genetic testing, and sometimes, the way it was done did not feel right. So, I decided to enroll for a second master's in ethics and proceed with a PhD in bioethics. I wanted to change the industry but accidentally changed my life instead." 👉 Interested in following Mariia Maksimova, visit her page!

📣 New Publication Alert! 📣

Last week Joyce Browne and I organized a third edition of our Summer School on Global Health Ethics and Equity at Universiteit Utrecht Global health ethics starts with listening to one another, seeking solidarity and striving for health equity. Global health ethics also raises many challenging ethical questions and feelings of uncomfortableness. There are no easy solutions in this field. For me, one way to address the many challenges inherent in global health ethics is by means of #coteaching, which continuously challenges and enriches your own opinions and positions in global debates. I am grateful for a week of co-teaching with a broad and diverse group of academic friends Seye Abimbola, Sharon Kaur, Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki, Bridget Pratt, Hans van Delden, Sandra Alba, Julia Addison, Koiwah Koi Larbi BSc, LL.B, LL.M , Tarek Meguid, and Elburg van Boetzelaer. Jointly, we addressed among others migration, environmental ethics, human rights, social justice, fair knowledge generation, research involving humans, community engagement, clinical ethics and equitable partnerships. This week would also not have been possible without an international and diverse group of participants who were openly and honestly willing to share their stories and insights. The energy of all teachers and participants have strengthened my belief that together we indeed can address what morally matters most. Bioethics & Health Humanities - UMC Utrecht Global Health UMC Utrecht

Dear Network, We're conducting a survey to gain insight into the needs and concerns of using AI chatbots for mental health support. Your responses will help guide our research into the needs and concerns of different stakeholders and the development of ethical guidelines for the use of AI chatbots for mental health support. Why is this important? AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, can simulate conversations as if you were talking to a human therapist. They offer many possibilities, but also come with risks and ethical issues. We want to explore these issues to develop clear guidelines for the responsible use of AI chatbots in mental health care.   Who can participate? Patients/clients: Are you currently in therapy or have you been in therapy in the last 12 months? [👉Accessible through: https://lnkd.in/e2C-t9XS ] Mental health professionals: Do you have expertise in treating or supporting people with mental health issues? [👉Accessible through: https://lnkd.in/edJqrRR2 ] Potential users/anyone: Have you sought mental health support in the past, or might you seek it now or in the future? [👉Accessible through: https://lnkd.in/eFBi3Mdj ]   Please use the link after each group description to complete the survey for the group you belong to. The survey will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. All responses will be anonymous and confidential.   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.   Thank you for your participation!   #chatgpt #AI #ethics #psychiatry #therapy #therapist #mentalhealth

🌞 It’s time for "Meet Our BHH Colleagues" again! In this series, we interview team members who bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to our department. 𝐖𝐡𝐨: Katherine Bassil, Assistant Professor 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡: Ethics of neurotechnology 𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐃: https://lnkd.in/ejRKhQz5 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞: Reading books about the ethics of technology or doing some pottery "I have a background in molecular neuroscience, but I have always been fascinated with the ethical and societal implications of neuroscientific research and technologies. Ethics of science/technology is also a great topic to stimulate conversation in an informal setting! It's not like biology or physics... Even if you don't have the technical expertise, you can still think, speculate, and have an opinion! Everyone can engage with these discussions and that's what I love about it!   I love the direct impact of my work. I like that I get to work with different stakeholders and co-create with them the research questions, and try to get to a solution together. Making a change is what keeps me motivated. And I know that ethics can do that." What about your background? Share your expertise below and follow Katherine Bassil, visit her page! 👈

👋 Welcome Sophie! 🏥

📢 Event Alert! 📢 Join us for a captivating (hybrid) talk by Professor Tamami Fukushi, Ph.D., from Tokyo, happening at the Julius Center this Thursday, July 11th at 1:00 PM. Dr. Fukushi, Professor at the Faculty of Human Welfare, Tokyo Online University, will be sharing insights from her latest paper: “East Asian Perspective of Responsible Research and Innovation in Neurotechnology.” Dive into neuroethics in Japan and explore the landscape of responsible innovation across East Asia. Don't miss this opportunity! Register now by messaging Katherine Bassil. See you there! 🚀 4o

On the 27th of June I had the honour to defend my PhD thesis titled ‘The Heart of the Matter: An Ethical Exploration of Regenerative Implants’. It was an absolutely wonderful day. I felt overwhelmed by the presence of so many fantastic people: friends, family and colleagues. Thanks to all of you for attending the ceremony and making my day. Of course a special thanks to my opponents for their enthusiasm and our lively discussions: Prof. Dr. Wouter Boon, Prof. Dr. Frans W.A. Brom, Prof. Dr. Jolanda Kluin, Prof. Dr. Sabine Roeser, Prof. Dr. Joost Sluijter, and Dr. Renske ten Ham. And to my amazing paranymphs Iris de Kanter and Eveline Schipper for standing by my side. Last but not least, many many thanks to my supervisors, Karin Jongsma and Annelien Bredenoord, two remarkable women who guided me through all the phases of this project. What a journey it has been! Photo credits: Fangrui Chen