3rd International Conference Ethics of Engineering Life (ICEEL) – “Quid est homo? Quis est homo?”

Paolo Traverso and Monica Consolandi from FBK participate in ICEEL 2026, conceived as an interdisciplinary and dialogical space. Scientists, clinicians, ethicists, theologians, philosophers, communicators, artists, and members of the interested public are invited to engage one another across disciplinary boundaries.

23/03/2026 — 24/03/2026

Città del Vaticano

Città del Vaticano, Roma

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Quid est homo? Quis est homo?
What is the human being? Who is the human being?

With this guiding question, the 3rd International Conference Ethics of Engineering Life (ICEEL 2026) invites participants from around the world to reflect on one of the most profound and enduring challenges of human self-understanding—now newly sharpened by rapid developments in the life sciences and medicine.

09:00 – 09:30	Opening Renzo Pegoraro, Pontifical Academy for Life, VA Welcome Ralf Stutzki, NCCR MSE, CH Ethics and Engineering Life, Introduction and Overview
09:30 – 10:15	Keynote Telmo Pievani, University of Padua, IT Abstract The Challenge of De-Extinction: A Bioethical Critique
10:15 – 10:45	Coffee break
10:45 – 12:15	Panel 1: Science and Human Being moderator: Laura Palazzani & Kevin FitzGerald Paolo Traverso, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, IT Abstract Céline Lafontaine, University of Montreal, CA Abstract Corné Baatenburg de Jong, ReumaNederland, NL Abstract Monica Consolandi, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, IT Abstract
12:15 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 15:00	Panel 2: Human Body moderator: Maurizio Muraca Ivan Martin, University of Basel & University Hospital of Basel, CH Abstract Ilaria Malaguti, University of Padua, IT Abstract Stefano Knuchel, Director, screenwriter and producer, CH Abstract Daniel J. Hurst, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, USA Abstract Diego Puricelli, ISSR “Giovanni Paolo I” & ISSR “Toniolo”, IT Abstract
15:00 – 15:30	Coffee break
15:30 – 17:00	Panel 3: Human Consciousness moderator: Rouven Porz Gaia Novarino, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, AT Abstract Vidas Balčius, Pontifical Urban University, IT Abstract Marcello Massimini, University of Milan, ITAbstract Hope Kean, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA Abstract
17:30 – 19:00	Human Body and Cinema moderator: Ralf Stutzki David Cronenberg, Director, screenwriter and producer, CA

Tue, 24 March 2026 (all times are CET)

09:15 – 10:00	Keynote Maria Chiara Carrozza, University of Milano-Bicocca, IT
10:00 – 10:30	Coffee break
10:30 – 12:00	Panel 4: Spirituality moderator: Donna Orsuto Amir Dziri, University of Fribourg, CH Abstract Tullio Proserpio, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, IT Abstract Guido Giordano, Roma Tre University, IT Abstract Andrea Genazzani, University of Pisa, IT Ana Maria Ganev, Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, IT Abstract
12:00 – 13:15	Lunch
13:15 – 14:45	Panel 5: Responsibility and Communication moderator: Stefano Semplici Bert Gordijn, Dublin City University, IE Abstract Maria Patrão Neves, University of the Azores, PT Abstract Luigi Ripamonti, Corriere della Sera, IT Abstract John P. A. Ioannidis, Stanford University, USA Abstract Catarina Monteiro Gomes, ETH Zurich, CH Abstract
14:45 – 15:15	Coffee break
15:15 – 16:15	Final Discussion and Roundup
17:30 – 19:00	When Sound Becomes Dialogue moderator: Ralf Stutzki Alexey Botvinov, Pianist, UA Burhan Öçal, Percussionist and actor, TR

Wed, 25 March 2026 (all times are CET)

10:00 – 11:30

Attendance of the public audience of Pope Leo XIV

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