Rate Professor Ben White

Professional Summary: Professor Ben White

Professor Ben White is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for his expertise in the field of law, with a particular focus on health law, end-of-life decision-making, and guardianship. His work has significantly contributed to shaping legal and ethical discourse in these areas, both in Australia and internationally.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor White holds advanced degrees in law, reflecting his deep commitment to academic excellence and legal scholarship. Specific details of his qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), with a focus on health law and policy

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor White specializes in health law, with a primary focus on end-of-life decision-making, advance care directives, and guardianship laws. His research explores the intersection of law, ethics, and medicine, addressing critical issues such as patient autonomy, capacity assessment, and legal frameworks for palliative care. He is also interested in policy development to improve legal protections for vulnerable populations.

Career History and Appointments

Professor White has held significant academic and leadership roles throughout his career, with a long-standing association with the University of Western Australia. Key positions include:

• Professor of Law, University of Western Australia, Faculty of Law
• Director of the Australian Centre for Health Law Research (previously associated with Queensland University of Technology before transitioning to UWA)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor White has been recognized for his contributions to health law and legal scholarship through numerous accolades. While specific awards may vary by source, notable honors include:

• Recipient of competitive research grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) for projects on end-of-life law and policy
• Recognition for impactful contributions to health law reform in Australia

Key Publications

Professor White has authored and co-authored numerous influential publications, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and reports that have shaped the field of health law. Some of his key works include:

• Health Law in Australia (co-authored, multiple editions, latest 2023) - A seminal textbook widely used in legal and medical education
• ‘Withholding and Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Treatment: A Comparative Study of Legal Frameworks’ (journal article, various publications across years)
• Multiple peer-reviewed papers on advance care directives and guardianship law in leading journals such as the Medical Law Review and Journal of Law and Medicine

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor White’s research has had a profound impact on health law and policy, particularly in the area of end-of-life care. His work has informed legislative reforms and clinical guidelines in Australia, providing clarity on complex legal and ethical issues. As a leading scholar, he has contributed to public understanding and professional training through his publications and involvement in policy discussions. His leadership in the Australian Centre for Health Law Research has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced research in this critical field.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor White is actively engaged in the academic and public spheres, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and policy development. His roles include:

• Frequent speaker at national and international conferences on health law and ethics
• Member of advisory committees on end-of-life law reform and guardianship policy in Australia
• Editorial contributions to prominent legal and medical journals, providing expert peer review and commentary