Association of Bioethics Program Directors (ABPD)

Overview

The Association of Bioethics Program Directors (ABPD) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the leadership of academic bioethics programs across North America. It was established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2007, following a pivotal workshop funded by the Greenwall Foundation and held at the University of Minnesota in 2005. This workshop brought together leaders in U.S. and Canadian bioethics programs, laying the groundwork for the formation of ABPD.

History and Development

Under the leadership of its founding president, Jeff Kahn, the ABPD was officially formed to address the evolving needs and challenges within the field of bioethics. A key objective of the organization was to enhance and deepen the investment in bioethics research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This led to ongoing dialogues between the ABPD leadership and NIH directors to promote bioethics research funding and resources.

As part of its strategic development, the ABPD issued a white paper in 2008 focused on the assessment of faculty for promotion and tenure. By 2012, under the leadership of then-president David Magnus, the organization developed a formal vision, mission, and strategic plan aimed at addressing contemporary issues in bioethics. These include research funding, training standards in clinical ethics, and cataloging graduate education opportunities in bioethics.

Activities and Objectives

The ABPD serves as a platform for the directors of approximately 70 U.S. and Canadian bioethics programs. It convenes meetings twice annually to discuss issues pertinent to its members. These discussions cover a range of topics, including concerns and experiences in managing bioethics programs, reviews of best practices for faculty development, and organizational trends. Periodic surveys are conducted to gather information on program structures, salary scales, and other relevant data.

The organization’s mission is to act as the voice for bioethics in the 21st century, fostering collaboration among its member programs and enhancing the overall landscape of bioethics education and research.

Vision

The ABPD's vision is centered on providing leadership and a unified voice for bioethics programs, ensuring that these programs remain relevant and effective in addressing emerging ethical challenges in healthcare and biomedical research.

Impact

By advocating for increased research funding and promoting high standards in bioethics education and training, the ABPD contributes significantly to the advancement of ethical practices in healthcare and biomedical research. Its efforts ensure that bioethics programs are equipped to tackle complex ethical dilemmas arising from scientific and technological advancements.