Sorcha Uí Chonnachtaigh
Postgraduate StudentEthical considerations involved in embryonic stem cell research, with emphasis on the context of Ireland
Researcher in
This PhD project is a collaboration between the Centre of Bioethical Research & Analysis (COBRA), Dept. of Philosophy and REMEDI. The thesis research examines substantive metaphysical questions raised by embryonic stem cell research, such as the moral status of the human embryo, as well as the social justice issues, such as the exploitation of women and women’s bodies. These considerations are contextualised in Ireland; looking at the past, present and future.
2009-present Lecturer in ethics and law at Professional Ethics at Keele (PEAK)
(http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/pk/index.html)
2005-present
PhD Researcher
REMEDI and Department of Philosophy
Bioethics: Ethical considerations involved in embryonic stem cell research, with emphasis on the context of Ireland
2003-2004
MSc in Equality Studies Equality Studies Centre, UCD.
Equality Studies - thesis focus on capital punishment
Publications
Felzmann, Heike, Sixsmith, Jane, O'Higgins, Siobhán, Uí Chonnachtaigh, Sorcha & Nic Gabhainn, Saoirse (2009) Children's Research and Ethical Review. Report for the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs. Dublin: Stationery Office
“Gordon Graham, Eight Theories of Ethics. London: Routledge, 2004. 221pp. ISBN 0-415-31589-1 (pbk). £13.99.” Review. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, Vol 9 (1) February 2006.
“Widdows, Heather, Alkorta Idiakez, Itziar & Aitziber Emaldi Cirión (2005) Women’s Reproductive Rights. London: Palgrave MacMillan”. Review. Journal of Global Ethics - Special Issue: Women’s Rights in Europe, Vol 2 (2), December 2006.
Guest Lectures & Invited Talks
“The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research” to BSc in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Dept of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, NUI Galway, Feb. 2007
“Basic Medical Ethics Theory” to MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine & Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy, Dept of Physiology, NUI Galway, Feb. 2007
“Ethics Case Study: Drug-use in Sport” to MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine & Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy, Dept of Physiology, NUI Galway, Feb. 2007
“Ethics & Bioethics: An Introductory Workshop” to UREKA Programme, Remedi, NUI Galway, July. 2007
“The Four Principles of Medical Ethics” to 1MB Bch BAO, Dept of Medicine, NUI Galway, Sept. 2007
“Bioethics and Research Ethics in the Biosciences” to MSc Biomedical Science, NCBES, NUI Galway, Nov. 2007
“The use of animals in research” to MSc Biomedical Science, NCBES, NUI Galway, Jan. 2008
“The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research” to MSc in Regenerative Medicine, REMEDI, NUI Galway, Mar. 2008
“Ethical Issues in the Care of Children with Life-Limiting Conditions” for the HSE/Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin Caring for the Child with a Life-Limiting Condition programme, Limerick, May 2008
Conference Presentations
“Science-society aspects of bioethical research” Science//Society Seminar, DCU. Jan. 2006
“The Interaction of Science & Philosophy: The Philosopher’s Perspective” Moral Theory and Healthcare Practice Symposium, NUI, Galway. Mar. 2006
“Irish solutions to Irish problems: Lessons for the issue of embryonic stem cell research” Northweb Conference, University of Lancaster, UK. Mar. 2006
“The Irish Debate on Embryonic Stem Cell Research - A Report”
“Moral decision-making in Ireland with regard to the practice of PGD” (with Richard Hull) International Association of Bioethics 8th World Congress, Beijing, China. Feminist Approaches to Bioethics 6th World Congress, Beijing, China. Aug 2006
“An Examination of Liberal-Permissive Approaches to the Moral Status of the Human Embryo” COBRA Postgraduate Conference in Bioethics (Ethics at the Margins of Human Life), NUI Galway. Mar. 2007
“A Philosopher in the World of Science Outreach” COBRA Bioethics in Ireland Workshop, NUI Galway. Apr 2007
“Bioethics Outreach as Public Participation” Science//Society Seminar, DCU. Jan. 2008
My research interests are in the area of applied philosophy and bioethics, including stem cell research, reproductive technologies, euthanasia, capital punishment, social justice, ethical theory, professional ethics, and feminist and queer theories.