Megan Best

Professor Megan Best is a Research Associate at the Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia, where she also serves as Convenor of Bioethics and Health Ethics and Research Integrity Advisor. She holds a clinical background in Palliative Medicine and has extensive experience in teaching medical ethics at tertiary levels. Her work is internationally recognized for integrating Christian perspectives into ethics research.

Education:

• PhD
• MAAE (Master of Arts in Applied Ethics)
• BMed (Hons) (Bachelor of Medicine with Honours)
• GradDipQHR (Graduate Diploma in Quality Healthcare)
• ClinDipPM (Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine)
• ATh (Advanced Theology)

Research Interests: Dr. Best focuses on spirituality in healthcare, existential suffering, psycho-oncology, whole person care, and bioethics. Her groundbreaking work on spiritual care has influenced medical curricula in Australia and international bodies like the European Association of Palliative Care. She emphasizes evidence-based policy development in healthcare.

Awards & Grants:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship from NSW Cancer Institute
• Research grants from NHMRC, University of Notre Dame Australia, St Vincent’s Health Australia, and the University of Sydney

Advising & Collaborations: Her research has shaped palliative care practices globally. She actively engages with professional affiliations and community initiatives, advocating for ethical healthcare frameworks.

Labs/Teams: Her work is central to the Institute for Ethics and Society, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on bioethics and health policy.