Programming by the Center for Bioethics

Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics hosts a variety of events providing practical and theoretical guidance to medical students, clinical practitioners, and biomedical researchers on emerging bioethical issues. The Center hosts annual conferences, special lectures, seminar series, and an intensive clinical ethics and surgical ethics courses. Bioethical questions should not be answered in a vacuum. They are questions for families, for communities and societies, as well as professionals, to consider. Your voice is important and we invite you to participate. Many events are open to the public or are live-streamed for a global audience.

Weekly Consortia

These weekly events are dedicated to ethics in clinical, health policy, organizational, research, and biotechnology spaces.

Named Lectures

Annual lectures include the George W. Gay Lecture on medical ethics and the Lawrence Lader Lectureship on family planning and reproductive rights.

Public Events

The Center regularly sponsors and co-hosts public webinars, conferences and other events on timely topics in bioethics with community partners.

Skills Course

The Harvard Ethics Consultation Skills Course is an immersive course aimed at providing attendees with practical skills in performing ethics consultations.

Surgical Ethics

The Harvard Surgical Ethics Conference is a free and virtual conference hosted by the Surgical Ethics Working Group (SEWING).

BHM Events

These annual events examine the history of racism in medicine and its impact on Black individuals and the Black community.

Additional Information

Accommodation Requests

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please email us in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) providers should be made at least two (2) weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the university will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.

COVID-19 Guidance

Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics has taken necessary measures consistent with local regulations and guidelines to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Despite these measures, COVID-19 is highly contagious, and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 at any Center in-person event. By attending a Center in-person event, you acknowledge and assume this risk. You are encouraged to do your part by complying with all health and safety protocols recommended by Harvard Medical School and to follow all local laws and regulations.