11th Ethics Day at Magdeburg University Medical Center
The Clinical Ethics Committee (KEK) of Magdeburg University Hospital, chaired by Prof. Dr. phil. Bettina Hitzer, once again invites you to its annual Ethics Day event. This year’s event will focus on the theme “AI in Medicine – Ethical Opportunities and Challenges”. The event is aimed at healthcare professionals from all disciplines, as well as students and trainees. Interested members of the public are also welcome. Participation in all program items is free of charge.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming medicine at an unprecedented pace, opening up great potential for more precise diagnostics as well as more efficient and patient-centered therapies. At the same time, it raises fundamental ethical questions that have a lasting impact on the self-image of medical professions and the way patients are treated. Against this backdrop, the 11th Ethics Day at Magdeburg University Hospital is dedicated to this area of tension.
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Location: Conference room of the DZNE e. V. (Building 64)
You can find the event flyer here.
Renowned external experts will shed light on various facets of the topic in their presentations and invite participants to engage in a nuanced discussion. The program will be complemented by a panel discussion with representatives from Magdeburg University Hospital, who will focus on specific applications of AI at their own institution.
An accompanying poster exhibition also offers insights into current on-site AI projects and can be visited during breaks. The event concludes with a film screening at the student club KISTE e. V. The Ethics Day is aimed at employees from all professional groups in the healthcare sector, as well as students and trainees. Interested members of the public are also welcome. Participation in all program items is free of charge. Registration is requested.
The event opens with a poster exhibition on current AI applications at Magdeburg University Hospital and is followed by a diverse lecture program: Prof. Dr. Martina Heßler examines the limitations and error-prone nature of AI and raises key questions regarding responsibility and the relationship between humans and machines. Prof. Dr. Stefan Selke will examine AI not only as a tool but also as a potential social interaction partner, discussing its impact on nursing and healthcare. Prof. Dr. Arne Manzeschke will explore, from an ethical-anthropological perspective, the role AI and robotics should play in medicine and nursing in the future, while visiting professor Dr. Justyna Stypinska will highlight the opportunities and risks of AI, particularly for older adults. A panel discussion and a closing discussion will build on these insights before the event concludes with a film screening. Overall, the Ethics Day is dedicated to the rapid developments in artificial intelligence in medicine, which offer great opportunities but also raise fundamental ethical questions.