Ethical, Legal, Social Implications in Biomedicine Seminar Series

Ethical, Legal, Social Implications in Biomedicine (EBM) is an interactive meeting that focuses on critical issues related to the impact of biomedical research, especially as it applies to genomics research and precision medicine. Speakers dive into the social implications of their work: Who is affected? How are they affected? Why? The primary goal of this series is to spark meaningful discussions and encourage attendees to reflect on the broader social impact of their work, emphasizing both the ethical and scientific importance of these considerations.

The EBM series is led by Alham Saadat in the Office of Culture and Community (OCC) Office. The original organizing committee was led by Mireille Kamariza, and other committee members included Alham Saadat, Namrata Sengupta, Alicia Martin, Patrick Turley, Alex Bloemendal, and Bronwyn MacInnis. For more information about the ELSI series or to nominate a future seminar speaker, contact Alham Saadat.

Past talks

2025

March 4, 2025

Despite comprising half the global population, women’s health remains critically underfunded in research and development. In 2020, only 5% of global R&D funding was dedicated to women’s health, with the vast majority focused on fertility and cancers, leaving numerous other conditions overlooked. This panel will highlight the urgent need for greater investment in a broader range of health conditions that disproportionately impact, uniquely affect, or present differently in women, including pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, menopause, and cardiovascular disease. Researchers, clinicians, and policy experts will discuss the implications of this funding gap, the barriers to change, and strategies to drive more impactful research.

Speakers

Kathryn Gray, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Director of Research and Division Chief, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Washington
PI, Washington Pregnancy Biorepository (WPR)

Kaavya Paruchuri, MD
Clinical and Research Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
Clinical Operations Director, Cardiovascular Medicine Section

Irene O. Aninye, PhD
Chief Science Officer, Society for Women’s Health Research

January 15, 2025

This panel discussion will explore strategies for making science communication more accessible, transparent, and inclusive to foster trust and understanding among diverse audiences. Panelists will share insights on tailoring messages to meet the needs of different communities, breaking down complex concepts without oversimplification, and addressing barriers like misinformation and scientific jargon. The discussion will also highlight the role of empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration in building meaningful connections between scien

Speakers

Shawneequa Callier, J.D., MA Bioethics
Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Brian Southwell, PhD
Distinguished Fellow, RTI International

Namrata Sengupta, PhD
Associate Director for Science Engagement, Policy, and Advocacy