In this online course we explore how future biotechnology and medical advances may be used within defence and security. We discuss both positive and negative aspects of technology, how it can be used to promote humanitarian purposes in international conflicts, while at the same time analysing legal and ethical challenges. The course has a general approach and is suitable for a wide group of students, whether you are completely new as a student or a PhD student in a related field.

MORE INFORMATION

Read the syllabus here.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

In order to be accepted to the course you must currently be enrolled as a student/PhD student at one of the EUGLOH partners and have a good knowledge of English. Students from Lund University can only apply at www.antagning.se. 

COURSE CONTENT

The course provides an interdisciplinary orientation at the intersections of security policy, biotechnology and medical research. You will learn which technologies are considered to dominate a future geopolitical power struggle and even help a country win on the battlefield. The course also offers a deep-dive into how international conflicts affect healthcare and medical research, as well as how biomedical engineering has been misused in past conflicts, with examples ranging from disinformation to biological weapons. You will also get an overview of national and international laws and conventions that regulate the borderland between medical research and international conflict.

Teaching takes place through a mix of self-study, written assignments, guest lectures and interactive sessions, with activities planned during late afternoon. You are encouraged to participate actively and contribute to an inclusive learning environment. At least half of the time is spent analysing genuine or credible cases that revolve around technology, war, espionage and security measures. 

The course is designed to offer you an interdisciplinary understanding and prepare you to carry out a general and scientifically-based risk assessment – within a biomedical research area – from several relevant angles. 

AFTER THE COURSE

After the course, you will have learned how to conduct basic risk analyses of biomedical research as well as how to identify warning signs that certain research is being misused. You will be able to reflect on ethical dilemmas that arise within healthcare and medical research during an interstate or intra-state conflict.  

This knowledge is valuable for further studies in fields such as political science, intelligence analysis, law, human rights, military science, biotechnology, biochemistry, medicine, health sciences, and biomedicine. The interdisciplinary expertise you acquire may also open doors to research projects and academic collaborations aimed at developing new solutions to address the challenges that arise at the intersection of medical research and international conflict.

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