NATIONAL CORE FOR NEUROETHICS
LA NEUROÉTHIQUE
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
featured items
RESEARCH POSITION
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroethics
A position is available for an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the development of innovative research and science activities at the National Core for Neuroethics. The incumbent will contribute to research on ethical, legal and social issues in stem cell research, helping to direct and participate in: collection, analysis and interpretation of data about stem cells in research and medicine; grant and manuscript writing; presentations at national and international meetings; development and execution of independent research; and other scholarly activity related to stem cells and neuroethics initiatives. The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent degree, relevant research experience in a discipline related to neuroethics, bioethics and an interest in stem cell research as it relates to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders of the central nervous system.
To apply, please send a statement of interest, CV and the names of three referees to Altaira Northe, Administrative Coordinator.
VISITING SCHOLAR POSITION
Visiting Research Scholar in Dementia Knowledge Translation
The Education and Training theme of the Canada Knowledge Translation Network (CDKTN) project at UBC is seeking Visiting Scholars whose interests lie at the intersection of dementia and knowledge translation. The program funds 2-6 month fellowships for investigators, academic faculty, and clinicians to conduct research, deliver other scholarly products such as case reviews and books, or produce innovative multimedia materials in dementia or knowledge translation research in Canada. Applicants for these competitive fellowships must hold an MD and/or PhD degree. Scholars selected for the Vancouver-based program will receive both travel support and a monthly stipend. Openings are currently available and applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV c/o Neil Chahal, Knowledge Translation Training and Education Coordinator.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
The Paradox of Addiction Neuroscience
Daniel Z. Buchman, Judy Illes and Peter B. Reiner, Neuroethics (2010).
Neuroscience has substantially advanced the understanding of how changes in the brain biochemistry contribute to mechanisms of tolerance and physical dependence via exposure to addictive drugs. Many scientists and mental health advocates scaffold this emerging knowledge by adding the imprimatur of disease, arguing that conceptualizing addiction as a “brain disease” will reduce stigma amongst the folk. However, the language of neuroscience used to describe addiction may reduce attitudes such as blame and responsibility while inadvertently identifying addicted persons as neurobiological others. In this paper, the authors examine the merits and limitations of adopting the language of neuroscience to describe addiction and argue that doing so provides benefit but also creates a new set of risks.
MEDIA RELEASE
UBC study offers ethical and cost-effective strategy for managing incidental findings
The increasing number of incidental findings in brain imaging can be managed ethically and cost-effectively by screening participants based on gender, age and family history, according to a study published today in the journal Value in Health by the Core’s Dr. Judy Illes and Mohsen Sadatsafavi. It is the first economic analysis of current practices for handling brain anomalies discovered unexpectedly during research and looks at the issue from the cost-to-society perspective to define the optimal way they should be managed.
EDITORIAL
We mustn’t rush into a new MS treatment -- but we mustn’t waste time, either.
The Core’s Dr. Julie Robillard and Dr. Judy Illes discuss the mounting tension between research, medicine and patient communities whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
GRAND ROUNDS VIDEO PRESENTATION
Critical Questions (and Some Answers) for Pediatric Neuroethics
Dr. Judy Illes’ Pediatric Grand Rounds presentation is now available online.
NEUROETHICS JOURNAL
Volume 3, Number 2 is now available.
RESOURCE
The “Tough Cases” Template is designed for use by medical residents in neuro-related subspecialties to record tough ethical cases that arise in practice. No identifying information of any kind is sought, unless the submitting resident opts to identify their name and speciality for further direction. Using these cases, our Clinical Neuroethics sessions can respond to residents’ neuroethical concerns and offer discourse, develop case-based seminars for medical residents, and inform our educational program. (Please note: this form should not be considered a replacement for clinical ethics consultation).
upcoming events
WORKSHOP
brains in dialogue on deep brain stimulation
To date tens of thousands of people worldwide have received deep brain stimulation to alleviate symptoms of several treatment-resistant disorders: from Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor to chronic pain, epilepsy and psychiatric conditions, such a obsessive compulsive disorder, major depression and Tourette syndrome. But what are the potentials and limitations of this technology? And what is the real impact on patient’s life? Is there a risk for personality alterations? Such controversial issues and many more will be addressed during the third bid - brains in dialogue workshop. Scientists, clinicians, patients, sociologists, philosophers, journalists and all interested stakeholders are welcome to participate and contribute to the discussion. Participation is free but registration is required by July 5, 2010.
Date: September 20-21, 2010
Location: Warsaw, Poland
CONFERENCE
Philosophizing Social Justice in Nursing: The 14th International Philosophy of Nursing Conference
The University of British Columbia School of Nursing is delighted to welcome IPONS and all who share a fascination for philosophical thinking from a nursing perspective to a lively and enthusiastic dialogue on a theme of immediate relevance to nursing and society - social justice. To register online and to view a Draft Conference Schedule visit www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/14th_Nursing.html.
Date: September 20-22, 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
CONFERENCE
Building Better Brains: Neural Prosthetics and Beyond
The use of neural prosthetics to replace motor, sensory, or cognitive functions lost by disease or injury holds great therapeutic promise. However neural prosthetics have not yet been widely used in humans. This meeting, presented by the New York Academy of Sciences and the Aspen Brain Forum Foundation, will highlight the most cutting-edge developments on neural prosthetic devices for humans and will include a careful review of the current obstacles to using neural prosthetics therapeutically, as well as the related ethical and regulatory issues.
Date: September 23-25, 2010
Location: Aspen, CO USA
CONFERENCE
2010 Neuroethics Society Annual Meeting
The Neuroethics Society will hold its second meeting in San Diego on November 12, 2010, the day before the Society for Neuroscience meeting begins. Activities begin on Thursday evening, November 11 and span a full day on Friday the 12th. The program is an exciting mix of talks, posters, panel discussions and break-out groups. Meal are included. A tentative schedule can be found here.
Date: November 11-12, 2010
Location: San Diego, CA USA
WORKSHOP
Expanding the Frontiers of Neuroethics
Modern neuroscience has brought novel knowledge of the human brain and neurocultural identity. These discoveries are important not only from the scientific or philosophical view, but also from the medical, legal and social perspectives, as they may lead to profound changes in fundamental concepts such as human identity, self, integrity, responsibility and freedom. Neuroethics is an expanding discipline lying in the interface between the empirical brain sciences, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy, ethics and the social sciences. It deals with the questions that arise when scientific findings about the brain are carried into philosophical analyses, medical practice, legal interpretations, or health and social policies. Organized by the Fundación Crimson and Uppsala Universitet, this in-depth workshop will include topical lectures, case studies, site visits and discussions.
Date: November 22-26, 2010
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
CONFERENCE
Brain Matters II: Ethics in the Translation of Neuroscience Research to Psychiatric and Neurological Care
Date: May 26-27, 2011
Location: Montreal, Quebec Canada
National Core for Neuroethics
University of British Columbia Hospital
2211 Wesbrook Mall
Koerner Pavilion, Room S124
Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5
Canada
[T] 604.822.7920
[F] 604.827.5229
Except where otherwise noted, all material on the National Core for Neuroethics website is licensed under a
The National Core for Neuroethics is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to tackling the ethical, legal, policy and social implications of frontier technological developments in the neurosciences. Our objective is to align innovations in the brain sciences with societal, cultural and individual human values through high impact research, education and outreach.
