About

JME Practical Bioethics is an open access, peer reviewed journal publishing translational and empirically focused bioethics research. JME PB is a companion to Journal of Medical Ethics and is an official journal of the Institute of Medical Ethics. The journal’s emphasis is on original research focused on qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the ethical aspects of practice, policy, law, education and research in health and social care. JME PB broadens the discourse in relation to ethics and human health by addressing both local and global societal challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond. In addition to bioethicists engaged in research, education and policy, JME PB brings together researchers, professionals, policy makers and regulators from across:  

• health and social care
• public and global health
• science and technology, animal health, law, architecture and engineering, health and social care law
• third sector organisations working in areas impacting on human health and social care.

While maintaining a strong foundation in medical ethics, the journal extends to explore the following areas:  

• Empirical bioethics: presentation and analysis of empirical data to address practical ethical problems. The journal encourages contributions that bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world data, providing a platform for evidence-based debates on the effectiveness of ethical interventions.
• Ethics in healthcare professions: day-to-day ethical challenges faced by professionals in health and social care.
• Health and social care education: ethical aspects in the education and training of health and social care professionals.
• Professionalism and ethical conduct: the behaviour and standards expected in healthcare professions.
• Policy and law ethics: healthcare policymaking and healthcare law including impact on resource allocation, access to medical services and sustainability.
• Science and technology ethics: emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence in research, and their impact on healthcare and society.
• Climate and environmental ethics: climate change, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and the food system, with a focus on health impacts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Public health ethics: global health inequities, food security, and the ethical dimensions of public health initiatives.
• New methods in bioethics research: innovation in bioethical research methodologies and analysis
• Bioethics in the community: engagement and outreach to the public, patients, policymakers, and other non-specialists.