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28 May 2024
Rapid advances in neurotechnology (NT) have highlighted the need for a robust regulatory framework that can simultaneously foster innovation and protect human rights. This is a main finding of our latest research brief 'Between Science-Fact and Science-Fiction: Innovation and Ethics in Neurotechnology', authored by Associate Researcher Timo Istace and Research Fellow Milena Costas Trascasas. 'One challenge in this regard is that promoting a clear narrative what neurotechnology can (and might in the future) deliver has been obfuscated by an increase media-driven hype', explains Timo Istace. 'Understanding the functioning, applications and realistic prospects of NTs, while distinguishing between scientific advancements and speculative narratives, is crucial for effective regulation', he added.
The paper discusses the current state of neurotechnology, and demonstrates how innovations in medical science are transforming the lives of individual suffering from neurological disease, paralysis and mental health disorders. Such advances have rapidly carried over to the commercial sector, with companies investing significant resources into the development of neurotechnology for gaming, lifestyle devices and marketing. Other trends that should be monitored include how neurotechnology might be used in the workplace and education sector, including to boost productivity, facilitate problem solving and promote staff/student wellbeing. On the flipside, such technology creates scope for increased surveillance, and/or to be used for punitive purposes or to discriminate. 'For these reasons, we must anticipate the possible disruptive effects before neurotechnology become pervasive across various sectors of society', noted Erica Harper, Head of Research and Policy at the Geneva Academy.
Geneva Academy
The Geneva Academy’s latest publication explores how cities, municipalities, and regional authorities are becoming key players in global human rights governance.
Geneva Academy
The 2024 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform (GHRP), held on 5 November at Maison de la Paix, focused on the theme Human Rights System Under Pressure: A Reason to Expand Connectivity.
ICRC
Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.
This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.
Adobe
This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.
The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributes to this review process by providing expert input via different avenues, by facilitating dialogue on the review among various stakeholders, as well as by accompanying the development of a follow-up resolution to 68/268 in New York and in Geneva.
Geneva Academy
Geneva Academy