معرفی
Kevin Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Built Environment and Life Sciences at Abertay University. He leads the Biomedical Science (BMS) degree programme, the highest-rated in Scotland according to student surveys, and is deeply involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in bioethics and genetics.
His research centers on bioethics and genetics, with a utilitarian ethical framework. He critically examines Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), especially homeopathy, arguing that its promotion poses ethical concerns due to lack of scientific basis. In genetics, he explores germline editing, genetic enhancement, GM food, and de novo mutations, advocating for ethical advancement of biotechnologies to improve human health and sustainability.
His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on ethical analysis in CAM, reproductive genetics, synthetic biology, and public policy. These works appear in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Medical Ethics and Bioethics, and have generated significant academic and media impact, including coverage by BBC, Guardian, and international outlets.
- Member of editorial board, Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Chief guest editor, Bioethics journal special issue (2016)
- Returned to REF 2014 and RAE 2008
- High citation rate: average 21 citations per paper (excluding recent works)
Smith actively engages in public outreach, including speaking at 'Skeptics in the Pub' events, and collaborates with leading figures such as Professor Edzard Ernst and Professor David Colquhoun. He mentors students through honours projects and integrates research directly into teaching, ensuring students engage with cutting-edge ethical debates in biomedical science.
