Prof. Bernadeta Killian Reappointed to UNESCO International Bioethics Committee
By Selemani Nambimbi, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Deputy Vice Chancellor–Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, has been reappointed as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Bioethics Committee (IBC) for a second and final four-year term, extending her membership until the end of 2029.
The reappointment follows the successful completion of her first term, during which she made significant contributions to the Committee’s work in advancing global dialogue on emerging bioethical issues and promoting ethical scientific progress that upholds human dignity, freedom and equity.
In a letter, dated 13 July, 2026, conveying the reappointment, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany commended Prof. Killian for her expertise, knowledge and dedicated service to the Committee over the past four years.
The Director-General noted that Prof. Killian had played an important role in fostering global dialogue and raising awareness on emerging bioethical challenges while encouraging ethical reflection to ensure that scientific advancement benefits humanity without compromising fundamental human values.
“At a time when global and inclusive reflection is more needed than ever, and as new projects are taking shape, including the future report on the ethics of ageing, I would be delighted to once again count on your expertise,” the Director-General stated in the letter.
Independent Advisory Body
The UNESCO International Bioethics Committee is an independent advisory body composed of distinguished experts from around the world.
The Committee provides a global platform for multidisciplinary and multicultural reflection on ethical issues arising from advances in the life sciences and related technologies, while promoting respect for human dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Prof. Killian is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration in the UDSM College of Social Sciences (CoSS). She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), as well as a Master’s degree in International Relations and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Over the years, Prof. Killian has held various academic and leadership positions at national and international levels. Her scholarly work spans public policy, governance, democracy, gender equality, elections, legislative politics and development cooperation, areas in which she has published extensively and provided professional consultancy.
Prof. Killian’s reappointment to the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee reinforces the University of Dar es Salaam’s growing international recognition and reflects its continued contribution to global policy dialogue, research excellence and ethical leadership in science and society.