In the Annual Theological Lecture at Queen’s on October 13, Professor John Wyatt – a respected Christian voice in medical ethics – looks at how we should respond to questions of suffering, dignity, autonomy and the end of life.

In this, the 67th Annual Theological Lecture, Prof Wyatt will draw on his clinical experience, medical expertise, and theological insight to examine these issues.  He will explore the meaning of human life, autonomy, the ethical and spiritual weight of suffering, and the complex moral challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare professionals navigating end-of-life decisions.

John Wyatt is Emeritus Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics, Ethics and Perinatology at University College London. He was Co-Principal Investigator for a research project based at The Faraday Institute investigating the implications for human self-understanding of recent advances in artificial intelligence and robotic technology. 

Having spent his working life both caring for babies and researching the mechanisms, treatment and prevention of brain damage in newborn infants, in his retirement he is focusing on the ethical, philosophical and theological issues raised by rapidly advancing technology.

The lecture takes place in The Great Hall at Queen’s University Belfast, starting at 6pm. Places can be booked at www.thehubbelfast.org/annuallecture

This public lecture will be followed by a Q&A, encouraging academics, students, clinicians, clergy and interested members of the public to engage with these pressing ethical and theological questions.  The lecture is sponsored by the Church of Ireland Board of Education (Northern Ireland).