Introduction to the Network AHRC Interdisciplinary Network on Teaching of Ethics for Neuroscientists

Aims Combine expertise and understanding of how to approach issues around ethics teaching and training for scientists. Understand the present state of ethics teaching in neuroscience; define what the ideal state of ethics teaching should be; assess priorities in achieving change from the present to the ideal state; and produce strategy for implementing change. Provide a focal point for collecting and developing resources to facilitate design, development and delivery of such teaching.

Workshops Build understanding and insights. Provide a realistic appreciation of the state of the science and its likely future course, of probable societal impacts and how ethical issues can be identified, understood and responded to. Provide opportunities for reflection on the practical steps needed to improve the current situation and to ensure that consideration of the ethical implications of research becomes an integral part of neuroscience courses.

Workshop 1 – Present state of ethics education for neuroscientists Workshop 2 – The ideal state of ethics education for neuroscientists in 2015 (September 2012) Workshop 3 – What needs to be done to fill the gaps between the ideal state and present state of ethics education? (January 2013) Workshop 4 – Getting from here to there

Workshop 1 Exploring needs, attitudes, aims, content, delivery, etc. Discussions will also look at: – whether there is a distinction between neuroethics and ethics for neuroscientists; – what the current situation is (surveys, scoping visits and case studies); – how much this varies across programmes and countries; and – how to build further information on this through the network.