Yonghui Ma, PhD Bioethics
Why did you choose to study for your PhD?
After obtaining an MA degree on Bioethics, I decided it would be fascinating to do a PhD in this subject and decided to continue studying. Besides, this field is urgent but very underdeveloped in my home country, China, and I want to contribute to the development of this subject amongst academics and also raise awareness among scientists and doctors.
Why did you choose to study at The University of Manchester?
Firstly, this University has a prestigious reputation in China and its international ranking has been rising. Secondly, the School of Law and iSEI (the Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation) where I largely work have leading expertise and excellent academic performance in their fields.
What has been the highlight of your course so far?
The stimulating seminar series run by the School and by iSEI have been one of the most interesting and beneficial highlights of my study. The informal but heated discussions not only give me the opportunity to improve my English and boost my confidence, but inspire me a lot with my own research.
What is the School of Law like?
The Law School is very welcoming and has a great academic atmosphere. Apart from the ‘hardware’, e.g. well-equipped facilities, what really make the School great is its ‘soft power’, its friendly, efficient, and supportive staff and excellent experts in a wide range of fields.
As a PhD student representative, my experience in this school has also made me gain a deeper understanding of myself, and community. It has helped me to develop my social skills, broaden my vision, and enriched my life. I have learned to appreciate different cultures, societies, and thoughts.
What drives you in your work?
Wanting to make a difference in promoting the discussion of ethics in China and bringing in Chinese philosophical thoughts as a possible alterative to the ethical debates in the West, have been the motivation of my work. And I am sure these will remain as the main driving forces in my whole career.
What other research have you done?
When I was doing my MA in Beijing, I did some research into public health ethics and Confucianism.
What would you like to do next?
I plan to go back to China to continue my academic career.