Support for longevity research, bioethics program impact, welcome & congratulations
Latest News
August 7, 2025
"I see bioethics in almost all aspects of life now." Hastings Summer Bioethics Program inspires and educates undergraduates
How can—and should—AI robots care for us? What ethical issues are raised by using animals as research subjects—including for transplanting animal organs into humans? These were among the wide range of questions explored during our fourth annual Summer Bioethics Program, which took place in June. The weeklong online program is for undergraduate students who are interested in bioethics issues and related careers who have limited opportunities for bioethics training. Read more, including what the students had to say.
Can We Thrive Past 75? In favor of efforts to extend the human lifespan
Back in 2014, Ezekiel Emanuel wrote an oft-cited essay titled “Why I Hope to Die at 75.” Since then, longevity and aging interest, research, and funding have exploded. But the issue of extending the human lifespan remains hotly debated. An essay in the Hastings Center Report, coauthored by Hastings Center Fellow Arthur Caplan, analyzes the negative arguments and concludes that incremental gains in health and in years of life will benefit us. Read the essay.
Welcoming Our Newest Colleagues They bring a breadth of research interests and a passion for our work
We’re pleased to introduce the five newest members of our team:
Julia Kolak, PhD, HEC-C, research associate. Julia works at the intersection of the philosophy of medicine and bioethics, with a focus on the conceptual frameworks underlying disease identification and classification, and their impact on medical decision-making. Julia also has a background in clinical ethics and bioethics mediation, with experience supporting patients, families, and care teams in resolving complex ethical conflicts. Learn more about Julia.
Vivian Steinberger, MBA, senior accountant. Originally from Brazil, Vivian has a professional background in a range of financial operations, with a particular passion for mission-driven work. Learn more about Vivian.
Lourena De Abreu, MBE candidate, project coordinator. Lourena’s academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of clinical ethics, health justice, and the lived experience of chronic illness. Learn more about Lourena.
Ava Randel, MA, MDiv, project manager and research assistant. Ava has provided care as a hospital chaplain in trauma and psychiatric settings. Learn more about Ava.
Richa Venkatraman, MS, project manager and research assistant. Her master’s thesis explored how speculative fiction can be used to challenge and disrupt dominant narratives of precision medicine and uncover ethical questions around emerging technologies. Learn more about Richa.
Bioethics Leader Honored Faden commended for excellence in bioethics mentorship
We congratulate Ruth R. Faden, the recipient of The Greenwall Foundation’s 2025 Bernard Lo, MD, Award in Bioethics. Faden, a Hastings Center Fellow, is the founder of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. Read more.
PRIM&R Annual Conference. Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky will deliver the keynote address. November 7.
Healthcare Leadership Symposium. Hastings Center President Vardit Ravitsky will participate in a fireside chat with the president of SUNY Downstate. November 12.
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.
We strongly value your privacy and would never sell, give, or otherwise share your information. Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
