Sarah Wieten

Ethics and Public Policy Center, Durham University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Sarah Wieten is a leading voice in the emerging field of invertebrate research ethics, with a particular focus on the moral implications of biohybrid robotics. Her work challenges the traditional ethical frameworks that prioritize higher-order animals, arguing that invertebrates—often overlooked in animal welfare discussions—deserve serious moral consideration. In her most-cited paper, “Ethics of Biohybrid Robotic Jellyfish Modification and Invertebrate Research” (2020, 11 citations), Wieten uses the biohybrid robotic jellyfish as a compelling case study to expose the ethical blind spots in invertebrate research. She extends this analysis in her 2025 follow-up (5 citations), which deepens the conversation around the robotic control of *Aurelia aurita*. By bridging bioethics and cutting-edge robotics, Wieten has carved out a critical niche in applied ethics, influencing how scientists and engineers approach the modification of living organisms. Her work is essential reading for anyone grappling with the moral dimensions of synthetic biology and animal-computer integration.