As rapid innovations in neurotechnology give rise to ethical, legal, and social concerns, this seminar investigates how countries, institutions, and organizations are navigating the governance of neurotechnologies. Faced with uncertainties such as potential misuse of neurotechnologies beyond health and the exploitation of neuronal data for commercial and security purposes, current governance strategies predominantly rely on ‘soft law’ - ethical guidelines and principles - to steer innovation toward socially desirable ends. However, the growing introduction of neurotechnologies into society has also raised concerns about the efficacy of ‘soft law’ approaches to governance and their related regulatory impacts. This has led to discussions at national and international levels on how to develop governance approaches for neurotechnologies that place a central focus on fundamental rights. This seminar delves into the landscape of experiments in neurotechnology governance, scrutinizes their merits and pitfalls, and takes a look into future trends for tackling risks in neuro-innovation. Leading experts from public policy, the corporate sector, neuroethics, and the emerging field of neurorights will share insights on the effectiveness of various governance approaches, spanning from ethical guidelines to the formulation of new human rights. 
 

Event Speakers:

- Riki Banerjee, Vice President of Research and Development, Synchron

- Nina Frahm, Postdoctoral Scholar in Information Studies and Digital Design, Aarhus University

- Khara Ramos, Vice President of Neuroscience and Society, Dana Foundation

- Rafael Yuste, Professor of Biological Sciences and Neuroscience, Columbia University

Moderated by Madi Whitman, Assistant Director of Curriculum Development, Center for Science and Society, Columbia University

Event Information:

Free and open to the public. Registration is required via Eventbrite. Online attendees will receive a Zoom link from Eventbrite. Please email [email protected] with any questions. 

This event is hosted by Presidential Scholars in Society and Neuroscience as part of the Seminars in Society and Neuroscience series. 

The Center for Science and Society makes every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend a Center for Science and Society event, please contact us at [email protected] or (212) 854-0666 at least 10 days in advance of the event. For more information, please visit the campus accessibility webpage.