Neuroscience and Society

BrainParkNeuroscience’s ethical and social challenges

Neuroscience promises to revolutionise our ability to treat and prevent mental illness and neurological disorders through the use of powerful new technologies that allow us to monitor and manipulate brain activity, cognition and behaviour. The use of novel neurotechnologies also raises important ethical and social challenges.

Led by Associate Professor Adrian Carter, the Neuroscience and Society group conducts interdisciplinary research to translate neuroscience research into ethical treatments, social initiatives and public health policies that maximises benefit for all members of society, while minimising harm.

Group members study the impact of neuroscientific perspectives on stigma, agency, authenticity, and moral responsibility as well as the use of emerging technologies such as deep brain stimulation, brain imaging, transcranial direct current stimulation, virtual reality and wearable technologies.

Current projects include:

  • Responsible psychedelic research and therapeutic development
  • How the design of electronic gambling machines can cause harm
  • Unintended consequences of deep brain stimulation.

Learn more about the group’s neuroscience and society work.