Dr Michiel De Proost, a “bio-political ethicist” at VUB and Ghent University, is the laureate of the Lucien De Coninck Prize 2026. This biennial award recognises researchers who combine scientific excellence with a strong commitment to society. In his research, De Proost brings together different disciplines and takes into account gender, background and social position in shaping his ethical perspectives.
At a time when technological and medical developments are advancing at a rapid pace, his work is particularly timely. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and medical genetics are transforming healthcare. Diagnoses are becoming more accurate and faster, treatments increasingly personalised, and genetic analyses make it possible to detect or even prevent diseases at an early stage. At the same time, these innovations raise pressing questions about privacy, inequality and access to care.
It is precisely at this intersection that De Proost positions his research. As a “bio-political ethicist”, he examines not only medical possibilities but also the social context in which they take shape. He investigates how power relations and social inequalities help determine who benefits from new technologies and who risks being left behind.
Themes such as egg donation and freezing, medical AI and digital healthcare run as a common thread throughout his work. In doing so, he explicitly seeks to create space for voices that are often underrepresented in the debate, thereby contributing to more just and inclusive policy choices.
The jury commends De Proost for this critical and engaged approach, which fully aligns with the humanist and secular tradition of the prize. “The impact of his research extends not only within academia—through his teaching at both universities (Ghent University and VUB), scientific publications and lectures—but also to the wider public through various forms of public philosophy.”