The ICMM Center of Reference for Education on IHL and Ethics in cooperation with the Medical Services Directorate of the Swiss Armed Forces and the ZH Center for Military Medical Ethics at Zurich University convene their joint
13th Workshop on Military Medical Ethics
20-22 June 2024 | Hybrid Workshop
Hotel du Léman, Jongny (Switzerland)
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Ethics
in Military and Humanitarian Healthcare
Topic & Call for Papers
Technologies of so-called “Artificial Intelligence” and the use of “Big Data” both come with promises of a huge potential to influence our future. Their use will almost certainly have far-reaching consequences in many domains of our lives. This is obviously true for both military uses (e.g., autonomous weapons, selection of targets) as well as in the practice of medicine (e.g., diagnosis assistants, robotic surgery). In the domain of military and humanitarian healthcare, it remains to be seen whether the effects of AI and Big Data will be more like the opening Pandora’s box or whether they can fulfil the promise for better healthcare in difficult circumstances. Although AI and Big Data can simplify and improve a wide range of processes, their application can also raise significant ethical challenges.
Since guidelines and legal frameworks for the use of AI and Big Data have yet to be developed and implemented, our workshop wants to offer its platform to discuss ethical issues related to these new technologies and analyze some of the ethical challenges related to their use in military and humanitarian healthcare. Our workshop shall provide an opportunity to shed light on and discuss the topic from a variety of perspectives. Presentations could cover topics within the following list but need not be restricted to it.
- Automated decision-making and responsibility (human in/out of the loop) both in military and in medical contexts (e.g., selection of targets or triage assistants)
- Ethical questions related to data: gaining data, using data, storing and keeping data, as well as data protection
- Biases in data and their effects
- Dangers of dual use/ misuse of technologies
- Effects of non-human decision-making on the applicability of IHL
We equally encourage field reports (e.g., case studies, experience briefings, policy analyses) as well as philosophical papers and legal background analyses. In line with the tradition of the workshop series, we invite presentations that take the perspectives or speak to both military and humanitarian health care providers.
Abstract submission
To submit a proposal for a presentation at the workshop, please prepare an abstract (max 300 words) and a short biography/ CV (max 150 words).
Both shall be submitted via the online submission at https://melac.ch/apply/cfp-2024
→ Deadline for submissions: January 15, 2024
→ We will notify all applicants by February 15, 2024 at the latest whether their proposals have been selected. For all selected speakers, we cover conference fee, hotel, and travel expenses (economy class).
For any questions with regard to the call for papers please contact Daniel Messelken (
Program
The program of the workshop will be published in March 2024.
Accreditation
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The MME workshop 2024 shall be accredited by as an offer of further education in medicine. Details will be published in due time. |
Participation & registration
Please be aware that places at the workshop are limited as we want to keep the format of the workshop as close as possible to the previous years, which includes time and opportunity for discussions. These are only possible in a smaller group and we can therefore not accomodate more than 50/60 people in total (including the speakers and faculty members). Participants will be selected with the aim of putting together a well-balanced group of speakers and participants to allow for productive discussions.
Participation is possible on-site in Jongny (~ 30 persons in total) and online via zoom videoconference.
- Please apply via our online application form at https://melac.ch/apply/workshop-2024
- For questions regarding the registration please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Workshop fee
Workshop Fee for on-site participants: 856 CHF (to be paid directly to the hotel)
Includes the following:
- Participation at all workshop sessions
- 3 Hotel nights (single room) and all meals during the workshop
- Icebreaker on June 19th, and Host nation dinner on June 21st, 2024.
- Transport to and from/to Geneva airport (GVA). No shuttle provided from/to Zurich airport (ZRH)!
- Pickup at train station Vevey equally possible.
Deadline for applications: 15.04.2024 (first come first served)
Application for the online participation via zoom
Workshop Fee for online participants: free of charge, short motivation letter required. Participants will be admitted based on:
- The motivation and previous knowledge/ expertise/ experience of applicants
- The function and institutional role of applicants
Deadline for applications (online participation): 09 June 2024
Online workshop – Technical information
- The workshop will be held via the zoom videoconferencing software.
- Participants are responsible that the internet connection and technical requirements are met.
- The number of participants will be restricted as we want to encourage a similar engagement with the audience.
Workshop venue
The workshop will take place at the Hotel Léman in Jongny s/ Vevey at the shores of Lake Geneva. It offers both conference rooms with views over Lake Geneva as well as accommodation for all participants.
Workshop organisation
Scientific Coordination
- Zurich Center for Military Medical Ethics
Dr. phil. Daniel Messelken -This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - ICMM Center of Reference for Education on IHL and Ethics
Col David Winkler, MD, PhD -This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Organisation & Logistics
- Swiss Armed Forces, Medical Services Directorate
Pauline Dénervaud -This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.