H.U.B Clinical Ethics Centre
A new space for reflection at the heart of care
Healthcare raises questions every day that go beyond purely medical or technical considerations. How can we support a difficult decision? How can we reconcile the values and expectations of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals? How can we reflect collectively on the most complex situations?
To foster this reflection, the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) is launching the Clinical Ethics Centre, a new initiative within the framework of Humanities in Healthcare. Its first seminar series will begin in September 2026
healthhumanities [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Send an email)
An annual seminar series
The Centre organises an annual seminar series, held on the second Friday of each month, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., online via Microsoft Teams.
Each meeting addresses a current topic in clinical ethics, with contributions from experts from the hospital and academic communities, followed by a discussion with participants. The conferences will be recorded and gradually made available online.
First seminar – Friday 11 September 2026
Assent in clinical practice
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Online
This first seminar will clarify the ethical, practical and relational issues surrounding assent in care situations, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Speaker: Emmanuelle Fayt
Emmanuelle Fayt is a head nurse in the Haematology and Oncology Department at the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF). She holds a master’s degree in Public Health and takes a particular interest in the ethical and relational issues involved in caring for children and adolescents. Children’s decision-making capacity and assent in care are among the subjects of her research as part of her studies in ethics.
Practical information
- Date: Friday 11 September 2026
- Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Format: online via Microsoft Teams
- Participation: free of charge
- Audience: healthcare professionals, students, researchers and partners
- Accreditation: Ethics & Economics
- Contact: healthhumanities [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (healthhumanities[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
➡️ Join the online seminar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/39300418777393?p=uNUuWBk9KpQ9dOKo1V
➡️ Registration recommended: Webinaires du Centre d'Éthique Clinique HUB – Remplir le formulaire
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Seminar on Friday 9 October 2026:
Sexual violence against minors, including incest
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
VIDEO LINK: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/313118288332865?p=jcWjVGF3JtHWczoAO6
REGISTRATION: Webinaires du Centre d'Éthique Clinique HUB – Remplir le formulaire
Speaker: Emma Glasser
This first conference will address the ethical, clinical and institutional issues related to identifying, welcoming and supporting children who are victims of sexual violence, as well as the responsibilities of the professionals involved in their care.
Seminar on Friday 13 November 2026
Controversy surrounding postnatal abortion
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
Speaker: Maud Llano Lopez
This conference will address the controversy surrounding postnatal abortion, a particularly sensitive and controversial issue in clinical ethics and contemporary bioethics. It will examine the different dimensions of this debate, distinguishing between its conceptual, clinical, legal, social and institutional aspects.
Seminar on Friday 11 December 2026
Ethical issues in neonatology
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
VIDEO LINK: Join the seminar
REGISTRATION: Webinaires du Centre d'Éthique Clinique H.U.B. – Remplir le formulaire
Speaker: Dr Vinciane Vlieghe
This conference will address the ethical issues encountered in neonatology, particularly those relating to the vulnerability of newborns, medical decision-making and support for families. It will reflect on the different time frames involved in care and the dilemmas that healthcare professionals and parents may face.
Seminar on Friday 12 February 2027
Presentation of RECIF – the International Francophone Clinical Ethics Network
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
VIDEO LINK: Join the seminar
REGISTRATION: Webinaires du Centre d'Éthique Clinique H.U.B. – Remplir le formulaire
Speaker: César Meuris
This conference will introduce RECIF, an international French-speaking network dedicated to clinical ethics. It will provide an opportunity to discover the initiatives, practices and collaborations developed within the network, while highlighting the importance of exchanges between professionals and institutions in enriching ethical reflection in healthcare.
Seminar on Friday 12 March 2027
Research and publications in clinical ethics
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
VIDEO LINK: Join the seminar
REGISTRATION: Webinaires du Centre d'Éthique Clinique H.U.B. – Remplir le formulaire
Speaker: Prof. Antoine Payot
Through his research and publications, Prof. Antoine Payot will reflect on the foundations, methods and contemporary developments of clinical ethics. This meeting will explore how research and theoretical approaches can inform ethical reflection and support professionals in their day-to-day decision-making.
Seminar on Friday 9 April 2027
GREC and CEST: discussion groups and clinical ethics units at Brugmann and Saint-Pierre
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
VIDEO LINK: Join the seminar
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Speaker: Thérèse Locoge
This conference will present the experience of Brugmann and Saint-Pierre hospitals in setting up discussion groups and clinical ethics units. It will address their organisation, functioning and role in supporting care teams facing complex situations, while highlighting the conditions required for their integration into hospital practice.
Seminar on Friday 14 May 2027
Ethics simulation at SIMLabs
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Online
VIDEO LINK: Join the seminar
REGISTRATION: Webinaires du Centre d'Éthique Clinique H.U.B. – Remplir le formulaire
Speaker: Justine Deltenre
This conference will explore the use of simulation as a training and reflection tool in clinical ethics. Through the approach developed at SIMLabs, it will show how simulated situations can help healthcare professionals analyse ethical dilemmas, compare their viewpoints and develop collective reflection when faced with complex care situations.