The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies has announced the launch of The Center for Neurotechnology Studies (CNS) which intends on providing neutral, in-depth analysis of matters at the intersection of neuroscience and technology—neurotechnology—and public policy. The Center will anticipate ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with emerging neurotechnology, and shepherd constructive discourse on these issues. It will provide a forum for reasoned consideration of these subjects both by experts and the public.

CNS will provide expert support to government agencies pursuing neurotechnology on the science itself as well as the ELSI-related topics, and develop policy options to address them. The Center will cultivate knowledge and inspire discussion on the implications of neurotechnology in legislative, administrative, regulative, judicial, academic, and entrepreneurial enterprises. As a result, it is expected that the Center will become a highly-sought partner by the research community for advice, partnership, and advocacy for the public and private funding of key neurotechnology research. CNS Interim Director, Potomac Institute President Dr. Dennis McBride, said, “It is more than exciting for Potomac to provide a leadership role for this rapidly expanding community. This technology will revolutionize life as we know it.”

This is a very important and welcome development for the neurotechnology community. As I've been writing for the past four years here on Brain Waves, the societal implications of neurotechnology are profound and it is critical that the public discourse related to the ethical, legal, and social issues should be dramatically expanded. The CNS should definitely help in this effort.