BrainMind-OECD Neuroethics Advisory Committee

In collaboration with the OECD, BrainMind convened 30 interdisciplinary leaders in Paris to advise on securing the role of neuroethics in the future of neuroscience research and innovation. This gathering focused on the implementation of neuroethics frameworks across academia, entrepreneurship, public policy, and investing. The OECD Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology served as a jumping-off point for the discussion.

Participants will included 25 leaders from major neuroscience academic institutions, funding organizations, policymakers, and prominent private sector stakeholders committed to neuroscience innovation. On Monday, July 11th, activities commenced with a moderated panel discussion at the FENS forum. The advisory session then convened for a full day at the OECD Headquarters on Tuesday, July 12th, followed by a private reception. Sessions were moderated by Dr. Karen Rommelfanger, founder of the Institute for Neuroethics, with support from the Charles A. Dana Foundation.

This advisory meeting informed implementation efforts of neuroethics softlaw guidance, specifically highlighting concrete roles and activities of different actors. Meeting participants also helped to shape the agenda for the larger (tentatively 250 person) interdisciplinary summit to be convened by BrainMind and a number of international collaborators at the Asilomar California Conference Grounds in 2026. Convening key actors from the private sector, this effort identified best practices for implementing neuroethical inquiry toward advancing the most powerful neuroscience and neurotechnology outcomes for society.

Written report
Visual Report

AGENDA

Monday, 11 July 2022 (half day)

2:00pm – 3:30pm: FENS Forum Session “The future of neuroethics in brain research and development”

  • Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 7, Hall I (1 Pl. de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris)

  • (Note: Arrive early! You’ll need to pick up your Day Pass at registration and it’s a large space to navigate.)

7:00pm – 10:00pm: Group Dinner

  • Location: Yacht Josephine (3 Port Debilly, 75016 Paris, France)

  • (Note: The yacht leaves the dock at exactly 7:30pm- plan accordingly!)

Tuesday, 12 July 2022 (full day)

8:15am – 9:00am: Registration, Breakfast

9:00am – 1:00pm: Introductions, Tour de Table

Session 1. Emerging challenges for ethical neurotechnology innovation

Session 2. Putting ethical principles into practice – existing tools and mechanisms

1:00pm – 2:30pm: Lunch

2:30pm – 5:30pm: Continutation of Sessions

Session 3. Playing a role in the responsible development of neurotechnology

Session 4. Moving forward - next steps and key activities

5:30pm – 6:00pm: Gallery Walk, Close

6:00pm – 8:00pm: Cocktail reception

8:30pm – 9:30pm: Group Social Activity

BrainMind-OECD Neuroethics Advisory Committee

Memories

Team

BrainMind’s commitment to neuroethics is central to its mission to advance neuroscience research and entrepreneurship that will most benefit humanity. Creating a new vital connective tissue between the lab and society, BrainMind’s neuroethics initiative considers how to maximize the potential benefits and minimize the hazards that accompany rapid innovations in brain science.

The OECD is a transnational intergovernmental policy organization with 38 member countries. In December 2019, OECD member countries adopted the Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology, the first international neuroethics soft law guidance. The OECD is currently working to engage a multi-stakeholder group to assess best practices for implementation of the recommendation and recognizes the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration.

This advisory meeting will inform the implementation efforts of neuroethics softlaw guidance instruments and discuss the concrete roles and activities of different actors. Its outcomes will also inspire the agenda for a larger (tentatively 250 person) interdisciplinary summit to be convened by BrainMind and a number of international collaborators at the Asilomar California Conference Grounds in 2026. Convening key actors from the private sector, this effort aims to demonstrate best practices for implementing neuroethical inquiry toward advancing the most powerful neuroscience and neurotechnology outcomes for society