1. Background

The rapid advancements in biomedical sciences have brought forth numerous ethical and moral challenges that require critical examination and thoughtful discourse. The intersection of bioethics and contemporary challenges is a pivotal area of study that addresses the ethical implications of new technologies, medical practices, and scientific research. In this context, the Department of Islamic Thought, F/o Arabic and Islamic Studies, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, in collaboration with the National Bioethics Committee (NBC), National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad is organizing “1^st International Conference on Contemporary Bioethics’ Challenges.”

This conference aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for scholars, researchers, policymakers, professionals, and practitioners to engage in comprehensive discussions on the ethical, legal, and social implications of contemporary biomedical advancements. Special attention will be given to exploring these issues from an Islamic perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of how Islamic bioethical principles can inform and guide contemporary practices.

2. Objectives

• To explore the ethical, legal, religious, and social implications of contemporary biomedical advancements.
• To examine these issues from an Islamic perspective, highlighting the contributions of Islamic bioethical principles and Shariah rulings.
• To facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and Professionals.
• To identify and propose solutions to contemporary bioethical challenges.
• To promote awareness and understanding of bioethical issues within the broader community.
• To develop a comprehensive policy for Contemporary bioethics challenges.
• To provide a platform for networking among academics, practitioners, policymakers, and professionals to promote collaborative research and initiatives.

3. Themes and Sub-Themes

Main Theme:

• Contemporary Bioethics: Challenges and Opportunities

Sub-Themes:

1. Legal, Societal, and Ethical Approaches to Genetic Engineering and CRISPR
2. Human subject Research
3. End-of-Life Decisions and Palliative Care
4. Public Health Ethics
5. Ethics of Advance Technologies and Stem Cells
6. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Healthcare
7. Medical Professionalism and Health Care Ethics
8. Neuroethics and Mental Health
9. Organ Donation and Transplantation
10. Bioethical Issues in Pakistan: A Context-Specific Analysis

4. Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of bioethical issues from both contemporary and Islamic perspectives.
• Identification of ethical frameworks and guidelines that can be applied to contemporary biomedical challenges.
• Strengthened collaboration and networking among international scholars and practitioners that can lead to future collaborative projects and initiatives.
• Recommendations for comprehensive policy development in contemporary bioethics challenges.
• Increased public awareness and engagement on bioethical issues.

5. Call for Papers and Participation

We invite scholars, researchers, professionals, and practitioners to submit papers, participate in panel discussions, and present posters on the themes and sub-themes. Interested participants should submit an abstract of their paper by July 30th, 2924. Selected papers will be presented during the conference and considered for publication in a special issue of the AIOU Journal of Islamic Thought (Dirayat), and NIH Journal (Pakistan Journal of Medical Research).

6. Conference Format:

• Keynote lectures by renowned scholars in bioethics and related fields
• Panel discussions featuring experts from diverse backgrounds
• Paper presentations by academics and researchers
• Poster presentations by graduate students