The Silent Message We Send to Future Bioethicists

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7202/1122837ar

Keywords:

education, mentorship, bioethics advocacy

Language(s):

English

Abstract

Many bioethicists do not consider advocacy to be part of their role despite the longstanding relationship between health research and the sociopolitical forces that shape it. As a Canadian graduate student in the United States, I reflect on the unique experience of studying bioethics at a time of declining funding in health research and a dominating culture of academic suppression. I discuss the passive lessons that students are learning from the actions (or lack thereof) of bioethicists, and why expressing solidarity with other affected groups can strengthen our academic community, pointing to examples of what these advocacy efforts can look like.

References

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5. Harding S. “Strong objectivity”: a response to the new objectivity question. Synthese. 1995;104:331-49.

6. Evidence for Democracy. Evidence-informed decision-making in Canada: How a grassroots movement restored respect for science. 7 June 2023.

7. Union of Concerned Scientists. You Need Science. Science Needs You. 2025.

8. Stand Up for Science. The Bethesda Declaration: A Call for NIH and HHS Leadership to Deliver on Promises of Academic Freedom and Scientific Excellence. 2025.

© Han Han Li

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Published

2026-01-20

How to Cite

[1]
Salem N. The Silent Message We Send to Future Bioethicists. Can. J. Bioeth 2026;9:3-5. https://doi.org/10.7202/1122837ar.

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): Advocates, Activists, Architects of Moral Space?

Section

Perspectives

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Nada Salem

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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