Christiane Woopen

Christiane Woopen is a German medical ethics expert and professor. She is known for her significant contributions to the field of bioethics, particularly in the areas of genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis, and end-of-life care. Woopen has served as the chair of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) and is the executive director of the Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES).

Early Life and Education

Woopen was born in Germany. She studied medicine and philosophy at the University of Cologne, where she also received her doctorate in medicine. Her early interest in the ethical implications of medical advancements led her to specialize in medical ethics.

Career

After completing her education, Woopen worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Science and Ethics in Bonn. She later returned to the University of Cologne, where she became a professor for ethics and theory of medicine.

In 2001, Woopen was appointed to the German Central Ethics Commission for Stem Cell Research by the Federal Government. She served as the chair of this commission from 2001 to 2016. In 2007, she was appointed as the chair of the EGE, a position she held until 2016.

Woopen's work primarily focuses on the ethical implications of genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis, and end-of-life care. She has published numerous articles and books on these topics, contributing significantly to the field of bioethics.

Recognition

In recognition of her contributions to the field of medical ethics, Woopen has received several awards and honors. These include the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ethics Award of the German Foundation for Patient Protection.