Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities (360G-Wellcome-203132_Z_16_Z)

Building on the University of Oxford’s outstanding track record for research in ethics and the humanities, the Wellcome Centre for Ethics, Innovation, Globalisation and Medicine will conduct world-leading research on the ethical challenges presented by advances in medical science and technology. Much contemporary medical ethics, with its origins in 20th Century concerns, is no longer fit for purpose. New thinking is required. Through its research and engagement activities, the Centre will lead debate on the ethical requirements for 21st Century scientific research capable both of improving health and of commanding public trust and confidence. The Centre’s research will focus on four themes. The first will address challenges presented by the use of large-scale data-driven science. The second, will engage critically with ethical problems presented by developments in genomics. The third will investigate the ethical and social implications of neuroscience. The fourth will explore ethical questions arising out of greater global connectedness and interdependence. These activities will be complemented by a programme of cross-cutting research activities engaging with the issues presented by the convergence of these developments. The Centre will put in place a well-resourced, cutting-edge, and attractive programme of public engagement activities around the key issues addressed by its research.