The International Brain Initiative and the World Women in Neuroscience host NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide on brain, technology, and ethics
On June 1, 2026, the International Brain Initiative (IBI) and the World Women in Neuroscience (WWN) hosted the second session of the event series, NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide, on brain, technology, and ethics.
The webinar featured panelists Drs. Jennifer A. Chandler (University of Ottawa, Canada), Laura Y. Cabrera (Pennsylvania State University, USA), Olivia Matshabane (Stellenbosch University, South Africa) and Julie M. Robillard (University of British Columbia, Canada), and was moderated by IBI Immediate Past Chair, Dr. Judy Illes.
Bringing together over 110 participants from more than 30 countries worldwide, this webinar convened the international neuroscience community to discuss the ethical, societal, and legal implications of neuroscience and neurotechnology. As an overview, participants engaged in conversations on data governance, equity, gender, knowledge translation, and responsible innovation in diverse global contexts.
The webinar started with a presentation on governance of big data/brain data, informed consent, privacy protection, and the tensions between open science and responsible data stewardship. Participants explored how evolving concepts of privacy may influence legislation, policy, and knowledge translation.
The conversations highlighted the importance of designing neuroethics research in partnership with local communities while ensuring that findings from individual experiences also inform inclusive global dialogues, evidence-based guidelines, and policy development. In addition, the discussions focused on the role of society in the development and adoption of brain technologies and the differing effects of these technologies across genders and generations, as well as the implications of current laws and guidelines in addressing ethical tensions around use of AI, social robots, neurotechnology, and digital health tools.
The session concluded with a meaningful conversation on the importance of gender representation, leadership, and mentorship in advancing equity within neuroscience and academia.
Watch the full webinar here:
NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide
In a series of virtual panel discussions, a collaborative effort between the IBI, the World Women in Neuroscience (as part of the IBRO Global Connectome Program), and UBC Neuroethics Canada will bring together a wide range of voices in dialogue on the impact of women in neuroscience innovation, and will feature distinguished women neuroscientists to explore the intersections of AI, brain, technology, and ethics, and neuroscience, diversity, and society. Through brief presentations and dynamic audience engagement, this series will create a space where ideas are strengthened through conversation across disciplines and borders.
These free virtual events are open to the full neuroscience network of faculty members, students, research trainees, patient and public stakeholders, and other professionals from organizations located on all continents of the world. Beyond knowledge exchange, this initiative will foster global collaboration and mentorship.
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us at the final session of this webinar series on the topic of Neuroscience, Diversity, and Society on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT! To register and for more details, please visit: https://www.internationalbraininitiative.org/events/neurofutureconversations2026