Reflexivity in Bioethical Research

• Dr. Michael Dunn, Associate Professor, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford
• Dr. Jonathan Ives, Reader in Empirical Bioethics, Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol

Dr. Supriya Subramani, Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich

Dr. Roberto Andorno, Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich

Have you wondered, as a researcher, how your values and ethical positions influence your research in bioethics? How do you navigate the conflicting values of yours’ and research participants? Reflexivity is a concept and practice widely recognized in doing qualitative research. It is a project of examining how researchers’ ideas and intersubjective elements impact and transform research. Being self-reflective of epistemological and methodological positions while doing your research plays a significant role and influence on your research. It can be observed as introspection, intersubjective reflection or part of mutual collaboration. For some scholars reflexivity is considered as a methodological tool. For others, it is part of the research process and research ethics. Recently, reflexivity has been gaining significance within the field of bioethics research. In this workshop, we aim to introduce the concept of reflexivity, its significance, and challenges in bioethics research. The overall goal of the workshop is to share, analyse and reflect on positionality, ethical, methodological, theoretical and epistemological concerns while employing reflexivity in research.

To introduce the concept of reflexivity in bioethics research

All those with an interest in conducting a qualitative inquiry in health research and bioethics, including masters students, doctoral students, and early career researchers.

• Learn the concept of reflexivity in the context of qualitative research, empirical ethics and bioethics
• Identify the significance and challenges of using reflexivity in bioethics