The PatentsInHumans project aims to develop a deeper understanding of, whether and to what extent bioethical issues posed by patent grant and use over technologies related to the human body are currently considered, if at all, within the relevant legal and other decision-making systems in Europe. The post holder will work with Prof Aisling McMahon (Principal Investigator), School of Law and Criminology, Maynooth University to conduct empirical research with relevant stakeholders, including patients, medical practitioners, members of the legal community, etc to further our understandings of how patent rights can impact access to health-technologies, and potential impacts of this on healthcare, including bioethical implications. They will work with the PI to conduct semi-structured interviews and focus groups with relevant experts and stakeholders to gain qualitative understandings of the potential bioethical implications posed by patents over such technologies and to develop deeper understandings of any challenges to engaging with these under the current decision-making systems in Europe.

The PatentsInHumans project aims to develop a deeper understanding of, whether and to what extent bioethical issues posed by patent grant and use over technologies related to the human body are currently considered, if at all, within the relevant legal and other decision-making systems in Europe. The post holder will work with Prof Aisling McMahon (Principal Investigator), School of Law and Criminology, Maynooth University to conduct empirical research with relevant stakeholders, including patients, medical practitioners, members of the legal community, etc to further our understandings of how patent rights can impact access to health-technologies, and potential impacts of this on healthcare, including bioethical implications. They will work with the PI to conduct semi-structured interviews and focus groups with relevant experts and stakeholders to gain qualitative understandings of the potential bioethical implications posed by patents over such technologies and to develop deeper understandings of any challenges to engaging with these under the current decision-making systems in Europe.