Assistant Professor Resty Ruel V. Borjal from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) emerged as the recipient of the Best Paper award for his groundbreaking research on the environmental and technological implications of the COVID-19 pandemic during the 22nd Asian Bioethics Conference & Roundtable Discussion on Global Health Security held at International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 17, 2023. The conference, which witnessed the convergence of esteemed scholars, civil society representatives, bureaucrats, and students from the bioethics community across Asia and the Pacific, centered around the theme "Challenge to Bioethics & Public Health in the Era of Pandemic." Delegates from 16 countries participated in discussions that explored complex ethical issues encompassing the well-being of the human race, other species, and the environment.Professor Borjal's research, titled "Changes Generated by COVID-19: Environmental Issues and Technological Challenges," stood out among the numerous submissions and was recognized for its significant contributions to the field of bioethics. His study delved into the wide-ranging consequences of the pandemic on environmental sustainability and the emergence of novel technological demands.The award-winning paper highlighted the unforeseen environmental transformations resulting from COVID-19, including shifts in energy consumption patterns, alterations in waste management practices, and changes in human behaviors impacting ecosystems. Furthermore, the research highlighted the increased reliance on technology during the pandemic, exploring ethical questions arising from the rapid adoption of remote work, telemedicine, and digital surveillance measures.
The said event was organized by the Asian Bioethics Association, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting bioethics in Asia and beyond. Through conferences, publications, and collaborative initiatives, the association fosters dialogue and research on pressing ethical challenges related to health, technology, and society.
