The Ethics of Neurotechnology: Exploring Emerging Issues and Career Paths (Mr. Ishan Dasgupta)

Description: This session will explore some of the latest ethical questions emerging in the development and commercialization of neurotechnology. Touching on both experimental and consumer neurotechnologies, the speaker will highlight some ways neuroscientists can help to better engage with end-users of neurotechnology. The session will also explore the speaker’s own career trajectory as a way elucidating potential career paths for students interested in a career looking at questions at the intersection of neuroscience and society.

Speaker Bio: Ishan Dasgupta is a Program Officer at the Dana Foundation responsible for overseeing the Next-Gen program. The goal of the Next-Gen program is to strengthen neuroscience’s positive role in the world by creating a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who shepherd neuroscience and neurotechnology uses for a better world. Previously, he was a Dana Foundation Fellow in Neuroscience & Society. Before joining Dana, Ishan was a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Philosophy and the Center of Neurotechnology at the University of Washington (UW). A lawyer by training, Ishan’s postdoctoral research examined ethical issues related to emerging neurotechnologies by utilizing qualitative methodology and policy analysis. His past research topics include patient attitudes towards induced pluripotent stem cells, inclusion of pregnant women in biomedical research, and the use of tissue samples in genetics research. At UW, Ishan focused on both conceptual and empirical research around the development and use of implantable neural devices like deep brain stimulators and brain computer interfaces. Ishan received his J.D. from the University of Maryland and his M.P.H. from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.