Neuro-Enhancement: Responsible Research and Innovation (NERRI)

This project aims to contribute to the new field of Responsible Research and Innovation in Neuro-enhancement (NE) in the European Research Area and to the shaping of a normative framework underpinning the governance of NE technologies. These will be achieved through mobilization and mutual learning (MML) activities engaging scientists, policy-makers, industry, civil society groups, patients and the wider public. To structure this complex socio-technical domain this project will propose an analytic classification of NE technologies into currently available methods, experimental and hypothetical technologies. Each of the types raises some fundamental ethical, legal, social and economic issues, which have different relevance to various societal groups, point to different methods of stakeholder engagement, and may require different regulatory approaches. Over the course of the project the analytic classification will be developed and extended in the work packages. Mobilization will form the central commitment of the project from the outset to the conclusion. Based on the Analytic Classification it will stimulate and organize a broad societal dialogue employing state-of-the-art engagement methodologies tailored to specific contexts (education, health, work and research) and stakeholders (producers, users and intermediaries). Furthermore the project participants will synthesise the national experiences, map the contours of a normative framework as it emerges from societal engagement and dialogue and elaborate the concept of RRI in Europe. The Consortium comprises experts in the neuro-cognitive sciences, the social sciences, law, philosophy, communication science and the public engagement with science and technology. Many have prior experience of EC projects and of successful collaborations with other members of the consortium.