Indigenous input in emerging science-policy frameworks for neuroethics

The goal of this new IBI initiative is to advocate for the meaningful involvement of Indigenous persons and communities in new technologies, particularly those related to the brain and mind.

Indigenous persons around the world are overrepresented in mental health and disability conditions. Yet they tend to be excluded from both research and policy developments related to these issues. The challenge is further aggravated by the rapid development of new technologies, which are at risk of reproducing past mistakes: taking a charity-based approach to Indigenous well-being, disregarding Indigenous knowledge and governance, excluding communities from key decision-making, and either overgeneralizing or ignoring the diversity of Indigenous communities.

While ethics standards have significantly matured over the last decades, there is still much work to do to ensure that research is robust and properly disseminated—and that policymakers are making evidence-based decisions at both local and global levels. 

We bring together scientists from a variety of backgrounds from around the world in an effort to create a space for dialogue and a bridge between good practices in research and Indigenous knowledge and policymaking.

To read more about their work and view relevant publications, please visit https://www.internationalbraininitiative.org/crosscultural.