As researchers develop new non-invasive direct-to-consumer technologies that read and stimulate the brain, society must consider the appropriate uses of such devices. Will these brain technologies eventually allow enhancement of abilities beyond human capabilities? In what settings are people using these devices outside the purview of researchers or clinicians? Should consumers be allowed to ‘hack’ their own brain in order to improve performance?

To explore these challenges and the ethical issues raised by advances in do-it-yourself (DIY) neurotechnology, the Emerging Issues Task Force of the International Neuroethics Society is organizing a virtual panel discussion. The panel will discuss neurotechnologies such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) headsets and their ability to change the way we understand and alter our brains. Particular attention will be given to the use of neurotechnology by everyday people and the implications this has for regulatory oversight and citizen neuroscience.

Our panel of experts will explore various technological and ethical issues raised by DIY neurotechnology and address questions submitted by participants. Panelists include:

• Marcello Ienca, ETH Zurich – Leading scholar on the ethics and governance of biomedical data, ethically-aligned artificial intelligence (AI), neuroethics and responsible innovation for emerging technologies at the human–​machine interface.
• Karola Kreitmair, University of Wisconsin–Madison – Leading scholar on clinical ethics, neuroethics, self-tracking and phenomenology.
• Anna Wexler, University of Pennsylvania – Leading scholar on ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging biotechnologies, with a (nonexclusive) focus on developments in neurology and neuroscience.
• Ishan Dasgupta, University of Washington – Junior scholar with a focus on ethical, legal, and policy issues related to neurotechnology, who will serve as moderator for this panel discussion.

This online event is free and open to the public. You must register in advance to participate.