Board of Education (NI)
Annual Theological Lecture at Queen’s considers autonomy, suffering and human dignity
Great Hall ∙ Queen’s University Belfast ∙ Monday 13th October 2025
How should we respond to questions of suffering, dignity, autonomy and the end of life?
In the 67th Annual Theological Lecture at Queen’s University Belfast, Professor John Wyatt – a respected Christian voice in medical ethics – will draw on his clinical experience, medical expertise, and theological insight to examine these issues. He will explore the meaning of human life, autonomy, the ethical and spiritual weight of suffering, and the complex moral challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare professionals navigating end–of–life decisions.
John Wyatt is Emeritus Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics, Ethics and Perinatology at University College London. He was Co–Principal Investigator for a research project based at The Faraday Institute investigating the implications for human self–understanding of recent advances in artificial intelligence and robotic technology. Having spent his working life both caring for babies and researching the mechanisms, treatment and prevention of brain damage in newborn infants, in his retirement he is focussing on the ethical, philosophical and theological issues raised by rapidly advancing technology.
Places can be booked at www.thehubbelfast.org/annuallecture
This public lecture will be followed by a Q&A, encouraging academics, students, clinicians, clergy and interested members of the public to engage with these pressing ethical and theological questions. The lecture is sponsored by the Church of Ireland Board of Education (Northern Ireland).
The Board of Education (Northern Ireland) represents the Church of Ireland in all educational matters affecting Northern Ireland and nominates representatives of the Church to any education body as required, including the Transferor Representatives’ Council, the Education Authority, and the Controlled Schools’ Support Council. Enquiries can be made through the Church of Ireland’s online contact form at the following link: www.churchofireland.org/contact
Secretary, Board of Education (Northern Ireland)
Dr Peter Hamill