About

We are a group of students, scholars and professionals who share an interest in the ethical, legal, clinical, social, and policy considerations raised by brain sciences and technology.

The Society’s mission is to foster an inclusive and interdisciplinary community that works to advance neuroethics research and dialogue. Our programs bring people from many disciplines, regions and experiences together to form and develop international collaborations.

• Guiding Principles
• Programs
• Meeting

Membership

The Society’s has about 300 members from more than 35 countries. Members describe themselves as neuroethicists, bioethicists, students, professors, neuroscientists, philosophers, physicians, lawyers, psychologists, engineers, industry professionals, and others.

Learn about the members of our Board and Expert Bureau to get a sense of the range of science fields and expertise represented by our membership.

Leadership

The INS Board of Directors consists of 15 members who are leaders in the field of neuroethics. Board members serve 3-year terms with turnover coinciding with the annual meeting. Many of the activities of the Society are organized by members who serve on committees and by staff.

• Board of Directors
• Committees
• Staff

History

The decision to start a neuroethics society came out of a small meeting held in Asilomar, California in May 2002. Until that time, people interested in neuroethics only interacted through the occasional meeting or conference symposium.

The group decided that an organization was needed to promote sustained interaction, learning and critical discussion that will strengthen our field. They also felt it would help draw new people with a range of expertise into neuroethics, a critical next step for continued progress in the field.

In recent years we have seen unprecedented progress in the basic sciences of mind and brain and in the treatment of psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Now, neuroscience plays an expanding role in human life beyond the research lab and clinic. In classrooms, courtrooms, offices and homes around the world, neuroscience is giving us powerful new tools for achieving our goals and prompting a new understanding of ourselves as social, moral and spiritual beings.