The "New Developments in Biological Sciences in Terms of Human Rights and Bioethics Symposium" was held in cooperation with Acıbadem University and UNESCO Turkish National Commission at Acıbadem University on November 4, 2024. Academics from Acıbadem, Koç, Gebze Teknik, Özyeğin and Nişantaşı universities discussed the recent developments in genomic sciences in terms of ethics, philosophy, law, medicine, biology, and public health. In attendance at the symposium were academicians, researchers, graduate students with an interest in bioethics and genomics.
In the opening speech of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Işıl Ülman defined genomic medicine as a newly developing branch of medicine dealing with the use of an individual's genomic information as a part of clinical care in the diagnosis and treatment. By giving reference to international guidelines and declarations, she emphasized the implementation of bioethical principles, namely, respecting autonomy by obtaining proper informed consent, protecting privacy and confidentiality, preserving non-discrimination, justice and equality, and sharing of scientific data for the benefit of human health and public good, through case studies. Prof. Dr. Hakan Sedat Orer explained and evaluated synthetic biology in the light of bioethical principles in the age of biological revolution. In her speech titled "Rare Diseases and Treatments in the Omics Era", Prof. Dr. Yasemin Alanay elaborated the significance of early and rapid diagnosis, providing qualified, accessible, widespread healthcare and following innovative technologies within the framework of an action plan closely connected to international networks. Prof. Dr. Uygar Tazebay discussed the "bioethical dimension of CRISPR-based genome modification therapies" in detail.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kocaman spoke on "New Developments in Biological Sciences from a Philosophical Perspective: Symbiotic Life", and stated that biotechnological advances should be handled with the principles of sustainability and responsibility, without harming the ecosystem; she drew attention to the importance of education and disciplines such as environmental ethics and bioethics for humans to live in symbiotic balance with nature. Assoc. Dr. Özge Yücel Dericiler, elucidated "New developments in biological sciences in terms of human rights law", emphasized the need for new norms and standards, especially in the genome editing method, within the framework of the right to health, the right to benefit from scientific developments, the right to life and the right to respect for private and family life. In his talk titled "New developments in biological sciences in terms of public health", Assist Prof. Dr. İlker Kayı pointed out that advanced treatments and technologies should be accessible to all vulnerable groups by balancing the need for data with the individual right to privacy to advance healthcare innovations. He emphasized creating regulatory frameworks that would be protective but flexible enough to accommodate innovation, while protecting the health and safety of the public. The symposium ended with productive and insightful comments.
News Date: 09/12/2024
Last update date: 09/12/2024
