Neuroethics 2026
April 15-17, 2026
The annual Neuroethics conference — organized by the International Neuroethics Society and its partners — relies on contributions from institutions and individuals committed to advancing neuroethics and supporting the scholars and professionals who are leading the field.
The INS and its partners accept support for the conference as a whole and for individual sessions, topical themes, and programming formats. The INS also supports unrestricted funds to support the organization, its programs, and the activities of its members.
Financial and in-kind support is tax deductible through the INS’s nonprofit status in the United States (FEIN 20-5230980). All sponsors and donors are recognized for their contributions, and contributions of all sizes are appreciated.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact INS Executive Director Robert Beets <beets@ neuroethicssociety.org> or members of the Program Committee or INS Board.
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Conference Overview
The Neuroethics 2026 conference will convene hundreds of neuroethics scholars from around the world as part of a network of gatherings happening synchronously on April 15-17, 2026. Attendees will participate online or attend one of the in-person gatherings in Stanford, California (U.S.); Lucca, Italy; and Stellenbosch in South Africa. In addition, an INS-affiliated neuroethics convening will also be held in Singapore in November 2026.
The conference convenes a diverse range of people to discuss the ethical and social issues involving the mind, brain, and technology. Attendees include scholars, researchers, clinicians, technology developers, policymakers, caregivers, advocates, and people with lived experience. All scholars, students, professionals, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
The scientific program for Neuroethics 2026 will center on the theme ‘Building Bridges and Cultivating Community.’ The multi-day, multi-location event will include sessions and activities that span a wide range of topics addressing the ethical, legal, clinical, social, and policy considerations raised by brain sciences and technology.
Sponsors are important partners of the conference and the neuroethics research community. This event would not be possible without contributions from various academic institutions, technology companies, healthcare providers, publishers, and international networks. Sponsors can support the conference as a whole or provide support for a specific activity or location.
Global Format
To foster more inclusive and sustainable scientific collaborations, we are organizing in 2026 a hybrid, multi-location conference in which regional partners convene attendees for in-person discussions and activities while contributing to shared global content and conversation.
The Program Committee oversees the development of the scientific program, and our regional teams and local organizing partners will be running each of the meeting locations. Some topics, sessions, and content will be utilized and shared among all of the locations, and each will have discussions and activities that are specific and unique to the concerns of their region.
With multiple locations and a synchronous schedule that facilitates international exchange and collaboration, the conference format aims to: preserve the generative value of in-person connection; lower structural barriers to participation for more scholars from around the world; and reduce the environmental impact of travel associated with international conferences.
Audience / Attendees
The INS convenes experts and decision makers to discuss and debate solutions to some of the most complex questions involving the brain and mind. Our annual neuroethics conference brings together scholars, researchers, clinicians, technology developers, policymakers, caregivers, advocates, and people with lived experience.
The multi-day hybrid conference typically attracts about 150 to 200 in-person attendees. For the first time in 2026, we will be hosting multiple in-person events at different locations around the world — which we expect will double or triple our total participation numbers.
Each of the in-person meeting locations provides unique opportunities for event sponsorship and to support scholars and regional networks committed to advancing brain sciences and essential research into ethical applications of technology, research, and healthcare practices.
The conference also engages 100-200 virtual participants from 40+ countries around the world. Virtual participants watch broadcast sessions, contribute questions to discussions in real time, and present their research live via video stream or as a recorded presentation replayed to all attendees and made accessible on demand on the website.
Conference Support
Sponsorship from corporations, institutions, and foundations help cover the cost of core meeting expenses, including costs associated with the venue, vendors, meals, and on-site staffing. General conference sponsorships start at $500. See the recognition and benefits sections below for details about the benefits that are offered by giving level.
Contributions from individual donors are also critical to the success of the event. We accept contributions of any amount and all donors are prominently recognized.
To discuss conference sponsorship opportunities, contact INS Executive Director Robert Beets <beets@neuroethicssociety.org> or members of the Program Committee or INS Board.
Sponsor Recognition
All sponsors and donors are prominently recognized on the website and in digital promotions. Sponsor names and logos are added to our website promptly when funds are pledged to maximize visibility and reach.
Sponsors are prominently recognized in all:
- Presentation slides shown before and after sessions
- Banner signage on-site located in prime gathering spots
- Email communication sent to meeting attendees
- Virtual gathering spaces or platforms
- Meeting website and schedule
Additional Benefits
- Complimentary registrations for institutional staff or representatives
- Digital, print, and booth advertising opportunities and distribution of materials
- Verbal mention at welcome and closing remarks, or during specific sessions
Benefits By Support Amount
| Amount (USD) | Recognition | Advertising | Registrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500-999 | Name only | None | None |
| $1,000–1,999 | Name and logo | Digital only | None |
| $2,000–2,999 | Name and logo | Digital and print | None |
| $3,000–4,999 | Name and logo | Digital and print | 1 |
| $5,000–9,999 | Name, logo, verbal | Digital and print | 2-3 |
| $10,000–24,999 | Name, logo, verbal | Digital and print | 3-4 |
| $25,000–49,000 | Name, logo, verbal | Digital and print | 4-5 |
| $50,000+ | Name, logo, verbal | Digital and print | 5+ |
Session / Activity Support
In addition to general financial support for the conference, institutions can sponsor specific sessions, activities, or services. The conference program covers a wide range of topics in neuroethics with special emphasis on issues related to the theme and other select topics.
All scientific sessions and activities are developed in close partnership with the members of the Program Committee. The INS and its partners reserve final authority over the inclusion of specific sessions, session topics, and invited speakers that make up the program.
Session Sponsor
Sponsors can support an already-accepted session or propose a topical session or lecture to be developed in partnership with the Program Committee. Session sponsors are recognized prominently during the session and throughout the conference.
- Sponsorship for an already accepted session starts at $3,000
- Invited lecture or presentation sponsorships start at $5,000
- Original topic-focused panel sponsorships start at $10,000
Activity Sponsor
The conference provides attendees with opportunities to meet colleagues from all around the world. Sponsors can support meals, coffee breaks, networking sessions, or social gatherings.
- Food and beverage sponsor: $5,000+
- Networking activity sponsor: $2,500+
- Social hours sponsor: $1,500+
Technology Partner
Operating a hybrid conference with in- person and virtual participation has many technology requirements. Sponsors contribute essential support to cover the costs associated with critical technology, professional staffing, and rental services.
- Technology provider sponsor: $15,000 » Video broadcasting sponsor: $5,000
- Poster board support start at $2,500
- Photography sponsor: $1,000
Research Supporter
Scholars from many disciplines and regions present their research at the conference. Sponsors provide funds to support sessions featuring research talks, and stipends to help defray costs of attending in-person.
- Poster and talk support starts at $1,500
- Travel stipend support starts at $500
- Regional travel partner: $2,500+
Society Support
Contributions to the INS are used to support: meeting planning and expenses, the organization of committees and affinity groups, and the work of staff and interns.
Unrestricted funds are essential to maintain core operations and long-term stability for the organization and its programs. Even modest contributions can make a big difference toward the overall success of the organization and our ability to grow and advance the field.
The INS recognizes all sponsors and donors, and financial and in-kind support on its website and in publications. Donations are tax-deductible with our nonprofit status in the United States under FEIN number 20-5230980.
To discuss supporting the INS, contact INS Executive Director Robert Beets <beets@ neuroethicssociety.org> or members of the Program Committee or INS Board.
Affiliate Institutions
Institutions and organizations interested in supporting the mission and activities of the INS can pledge to provide an annual unrestricted contribution as an affiliate member. Consistent financial support and public recognition demonstrates the value and leadership that the INS brings to the field of neuroethics and to its members.
Membership
A commitment to be an active and engaged member of the INS is a great way to help the community grow. Membership levels and annual dues ranges (in US Dollars) are as follows.
- Student ($15-30 USD)
- Trainee ($25-50)
- Professional ($50-175)
- Sustainer ($450)
- Affiliate ($1,000)
Conference Partners
Organizing partners contribute substantial personnel and financial resources toward organizing the conference. Partner staff, faculty, and students contribute volunteer hours toward event leadership, program development, vendor management, and on-site event support. Partner institutions also provide financial support and in-kind resources at various levels.
To discuss partnership opportunities, contact INS Executive Director Robert Beets <beets@ neuroethicssociety.org> or members of the Program Committee or INS Board.
About the INS
The International Neuroethics Society (INS) is the leading professional association for scholars, practitioners, and students growing this emerging field. Our work is focused on strengthening and growing the field of neuroethics by advancing neuroethics scholarship and research, and by translating knowledge into practice and policy.
The Society’s membership includes leading experts and scholars from more than 35 countries who represent key disciplines and constituencies, and have connections to a broad network of decision makers in scientific organizations, universities, and government institutions worldwide. Our members are well positioned to facilitate connections and lead dialogue across sectors of society on some of the most complex issues involving the mind, brain, and technology.
The Neuroethics Field
Neuroethics is a young field that has become an essential partner to realize the benefits of breakthroughs made in health, medicine, neuroscience, and technology. Its methods and insights help researchers, neuroscientists, engineers, patients, caregivers, clinicians, regulators, and policymakers ask better questions, anticipate unintended consequences, and avoid negative outcomes. Ethical questions have always accompanied science, and the importance of neuroethics has only increased in recent decades with our improving understanding of the brain.
Neuroethics in Action
Neuroethics sits at the confluence of many transformational frontiers such as robotics,
AI, brain–computer interfaces, and bio-engineering. It’s also an important partner in rapidly advancing research areas involving consciousness, brain disorders, neuroimaging, neural interfaces, and deep brain stimulation. When multiple disciplines and emerging technologies converge, it is critical to understand, investigate and address the many social and ethical dimensions.
How does neuroethics support and foster responsible and impactful innovation?
- In basic science research, neuroethics helps engage ethical questions early to minimize risks, maximize benefits, and facilitate responsible translation.
- Supporting neuroethics is essential to guiding neuroscience– AI developments responsibly, and fostering innovation that is both ethically sound and human-centered.
- Lawmakers, regulators, and judges often face questions about emerging neurotechnologies and neuroethics experts are uniquely equipped to provide informed, actionable guidance.
- From advances in neuroimaging to deep brain stimulation, progress in neurology and psychiatry have gotten a critical boost from the close collaboration between neuroethicists and neuroscientists.
- Neuroethicists also bring a distinctive outlook to some of the deepest philosophical quandaries concerning free will, identity, and consent.
The International Neuroethics Society (INS) is the leading professional association for experts, scholars, and students growing this emerging field.
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