The ethics of neuroscience have become an ever-more important issue as technologies which could affect our neurological makeup become increasingly advanced, and as new developments promise to push the frontiers of brain and mind. This Workshop aims to explore and discuss some of the implications of the advent of these technologies, in particular those which promise to augment our capacities, alter our cognition, and potentially affect who we are.

Major focus of the Workshop will be a range of potential interventions, from temporary drug application, such as nootropics; to permanent genome alteration through CRISPR and other techniques; to implanted biotechnologies and digital devices. An important theme when considering these technologies will be the relationship between the major spheres of impact: those for the individual- including social, educational, and with regard to personal identity; and those for the population- including generational effects of heritable alterations, and the potential ramifications for the general future of the human.

The Faculty are each leading experts in their fields and have contributed significantly to the development of neuroethics and the human enhancement debate. The combination of perspectives that will be brought together, analyzed and debated will provide thorough insight in this emergent area of critical social importance.