Stavros Niarchos Foundation Bioethics Academy (SNFBA)

About SNFBA

Established in 2019, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Bioethics Academy (SNFBA) is a collaborative initiative between the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics (JHU) and the Chair in Bioethics at ETH Zurich (ETH). Generously supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), SNFBA was created to enhance bioethics education and awareness in Greece, providing a platform for learning, discussion, and professional development in bioethics.
SNFBA aims to:

• Provide high-quality bioethics education for university students, professionals, educators, and policymakers.
• Foster a network of bioethics scholars and practitioners in Greece and internationally.
• Support ethical decision-making in medicine, healthcare, research, and emerging technologies.
• Equip professionals with bioethics knowledge and tools to navigate ethical challenges in biomedical and clinical research.

SNFBA offers a variety of educational programs tailored to different expertise levels and professional needs:

1. Foundations of Bioethics Course

Held annually in Athens, this intensive course introduces key bioethics concepts and principles, offering an interactive learning experience with faculty from JHU and ETH Zurich.

2. Advanced Topics in Bioethics

A specialized program for SNFBA alumni and professionals with prior bioethics knowledge. Offered up to twice per year, each edition explores a different theme in bioethics.

• 2025 Course: “Ethics in Neuroscience” (April 7–8, 2025, at the Goulandris Natural History Museum in Athens).
• Covers topics like neurotechnology, cognitive enhancement, research ethics, neurorights, and the intersection of neuroscience and AI.
• Features distinguished faculty from ETH Zurich, JHU, and international experts.
• Limited to 30 participants for interactive, discussion-driven learning.

3. Train the Trainer Program

A two-day workshop for educators, faculty, and professionals looking to integrate bioethics into their teaching, training, or leadership roles.

• 2025 Theme: Ethics and Research.
• Offers practical approaches, case studies, and teaching resources to enhance bioethics education in academic and professional settings.
• Ideal for faculty, educators, research leaders, and members of Research Ethics Committees.
• The inaugural 2025 workshop will be free of cost for participants.

4. Alumni Network: Mini Conferences, Networking, and Mentoring

• Alumni Mini Conferences (held twice a year): One conference takes place in Athens, Greece.   The second alternates between Zurich and Washington, DC.  These conferences provide a forum for alumni to present their bioethics research, exchange ideas, and engage in in-depth discussions with faculty and peers.
• Networking Sessions (organized regularly throughout the year):  Each session features a guest lecture or panel discussion on a timely bioethics topic.  Followed by a networking reception, allowing alumni to reconnect and engage with faculty.
• Mentoring Sessions (offered at various times during the year):  Alumni have the opportunity to receive individualized feedback and expert guidance on their research projects or papers.

 Whether you’re a student, faculty member, researcher, or professional in healthcare, law, or policy, SNFBA offers valuable opportunities to deepen your understanding of bioethics and join a growing community of experts.

For more information and to register for upcoming courses, stay tuned to this webpage and our social media outlets.