AI in health, ethics of deliberate extinction, Sadler Scholars applications, protect bioethics
Latest News
May 15, 2025
Should We Ever Genetically Edit a Species Out of Existence? Just-published paper in Science, led by Hastings research director, explores this ethical challenge
What circumstances might justify causing the deliberate extinction of a species? That’s the subject of a Policy Forum published today in Science by Hastings Center research director Gregory Kaebnick and co-authors. And the question is not hypothetical—at least one species is a preliminary candidate for full extinction. The authors discuss three cases in which genome modification might be used to eradicate species and argue that “deliberate full extinction might occasionally be acceptable, but only extremely rarely.” Read the Science Policy Forum. (Subscription required for full text).
In an accompanying essay in Hastings Bioethics Forum, Kaebnick and co-authors James Collins, Athmeya Jayaram, and Rebecca Tiernan explore the implications of deliberate extinction in light of the recent “de-extinction” of the dire wolf and challenges to the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration. Read the Hastings Bioethics Forum essay.
Laws, Norms, and Ethics for AI in Health Microsoft Research podcast features Vardit Ravitsky
Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky recently spoke with Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Research and host of “The AI Revolution in Medicine, Revisited,” a Microsoft Research podcast. They discussed the ways in which AI is reshaping health care relationships and the role of bioethics as a critical player. “I’ve been an advocate in favor of bioethics as a field positioning itself to be a facilitator of implementing AI,” Ravitsky said, adding, “it’s happening, it’s happening fast, we have to keep our eye on the ball, and not ask, “Should we do it?” But rather ask, “How should we do it?” Listen to the podcast.
Apply Now: Hastings Center 2025-26 Sadler Scholars Cohort Partnership with the Center for ELSI Research and Analysis offers special opportunities
The Hastings Center for Bioethics invites applications for the 2025-26 cohort of Sadler Scholars from doctoral students whose bioethics research focuses on the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genomics. Application deadline: June 13. Learn more and apply.
Support Ethical Leadership in a Divided World Join our inaugural cohort of monthly sponsors
In today’s shifting political climate, grant funding for vital scientific and bioethical research—and the public’s trust in that essential work—is under serious threat. We at The Hastings Center for Bioethics face real threats to our work, the public good it serves, and the future of ethical leadership. If you’re committed to standing with us during these challenging times, please support us by joining our inaugural cohort of Hastings Center for Bioethics Monthly Sponsors at the $10, $25, or $50 level.
The Hastings Center seeks to ensure responsible health and science policy and practice. We work to secure the wisest possible use of emerging technologies and fair, compassionate, and just health care for people across their lifespan.
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