The Center for Ethics and Culture mourns the death of philosopher H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr., professor of the history and philosophy of medicine at Rice University and professor emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine, who passed away on June 21, 2018 in Houston. Engelhardt was recognized as one of the pioneers of the field of bioethics, writing more than 300 books, chapters, and articles that examined personhood and identity, bioethics, genetics, secular humanism, the deprofessionalization of medicine, Christian theology and ethics, animal rights, health policy, and much more. His seminal 1986 book Foundations of Bioethics was translated into Chinese upon the publication of its 2nd edition in 1996.

In the words of Center for Ethics and Culture director O. Carter Snead, "Tris was a towering figure in academic bioethics.  We will deeply miss his singular brilliance, spirit, and warmth." Engelhardt was a great collaborator and friend of NDCEC founding director David Solomon, and was a frequent and engaged participant in the Center's Medical Ethics Conferences and annual Fall Conferences. Videos from several of his CEC presentations are available on the Center's YouTube channel.