GROUNDBREAKING research on the environmental and technological implications of the pandemic won for a Central Luzon State University professor the Best Paper Award in the 22nd Asian Bioethics Conference & Roundtable Discussion on Global Health Security.

Titled “Changes Generated by Covid19: Environmental Issues and Technological Challenges,” the study was recognized for its significant contributions to the field of bioethics.

It was authored by Assistant Professor Ruel Borjal.

The CLSU said the paper 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 Covid19, including shifts in energy consumption patterns, alterations in waste management practices, and changes in human behaviors impacting ecosystems,” CLSU said on its website.

“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,” it added.

The conference, with the theme “Challenge to Bioethics & Public Health in the Era of Pandemic”, was attended by scholars, civil society representatives, bureaucrats and students from the bioethics community from 16 countries from Asia and the Pacific.

The event was organized by the Asian Bioethics Association.