The James F. Drane Bioethics Institute at PennWest University, in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Center for Global Health Ethics, will host the Second Duquesne–PennWest Conference on Global Bioethics from November 12–14, 2026, in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
In today’s deeply interconnected world, many of the most pressing challenges—ranging from global pandemics and climate change to health inequities and misinformation—transcend disciplinary, national, and cultural boundaries. Addressing these complex issues requires ethical frameworks and global collaboration. As an interdisciplinary field rooted in medicine, philosophy, public health, law, and the social sciences, bioethics is uniquely positioned to help clarify these challenges and guide just, evidence-based, and humane responses.
The Duquesne–PennWest Conference on Global Bioethics provides an international forum for scholars, clinicians, policymakers, activists, institutional leaders, and students to exchange ideas, present research, build networks, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the ethical dimensions of global health and medicine.
We welcome submissions and participation on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
Ethical theories and principles in global bioethics Globalization and its impact on health Global Governance for Health and the role of international organizations Climate change and global health Pandemics, disease prevention, and international public health responses International research ethics and cross-border collaborations Health disparities, justice, and access to care Building on the success of the inaugural conference, the 2026 meeting will focus especially on the growing problem of health misinformation and the critical role of bioethics in confronting it.