Philosophy and Ethics of Food Science and Technology (in person)
Course schedule
| Dates | Start time | End time | Location | Coordinator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5, 12, 19, 26 October & 2 and 16 November 2026 | 14:30 | 17:30 | WUR Campus | Vesna Prsic | Apply |
Course description
This course includes hands-on dealings with ethical, philosophical, and societal issues surrounding science.
The discussion with the guest scientists from various disciplines is based upon relevant actual cases from the realm of Biobased, Biomolecular, Chemical, Food and Nutrition Sciences.
The goal of this discussion series is to spark educated discussions on various facets of science and about the responsibilities of being a scientist.
The course will be guided by Dr Hugh Desmond (Philosophy).
General Information
| Target Group: | PhD candidates |
| Group size: | 20 participants |
| Course duration: | 6 Monday afternoon sessions (14.30-17.30 h) |
| Language: | English |
| Credit points: | 1.2 ECTS |
| Self-study hours: | 1-2 hours preparation per session |
| Name lecturer: | Dr Hugh Desmond, Lead philosopher |
| Venue: |
Wageningen UR Campus |
Programme - Session content subject to minor changes
Session 1 (05/10/2026) - General introduction to Ethics and Ethics of science
Session 2 (12/10/2026) - The dimensions of the ethics of science
Session 3 (19/10/2026) - Eugenics, genetic testing, human enhancement, human nature
Session 4 (26/10/2026) - Public Health Policy: Trust in science, Politicization of science, Science-policy translations, democracy and technocracy
Session 5 (02/11/2026) - Meat replacers: Scientific Agendas and Narratives, Funding and Values in Industry vs. Academia
Session 6 (16/11/2026) - Participant Research on Ethically/Philosophically sensitive topics - Group presentations
Fee
| PhD candidates of Wageningen University with an approved Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) and postdocs of Wageningen University that are registered at one of the graduate schools of Wageningen (EPS, PE&RC, VLAG, WASS, WIAS, WIMEK) | € 130,- |
| All other PhD candidates / post-docs and staff of Wageningen University | € 260,- |
| All other participants | € 520,- |
The fee includes study and training material, coffee/tea.
Cancellation condition
Until four weeks before the start of the course cancellation is free of charge.
After this date you will be charged the full (not reduced) fee.
Note: Exemptions of payment in case of cancellation within the four weeks before the start of the course:
1. If you propose a replacement. In this situation, please inform the course coordinator.
2. If you have a written statement from your supervisor (doctor in case of illness) indicating the valid reason (circumstances beyond your control) of your withdrawal from the course. Validity of the reason will be evaluated by the WGS Course Commission.
Information
For more information please contact Vesna.Prsic@wur.nl
Tel. +31 317 485135