Dr. Fins Elected to President-Elect of the International Neuroethics Society


Dr. Joseph Fins

On November 12, 2020, Dr. Joseph J. Fins, Chief, Division of Medical Ethics, and E. William Davis, Jr., M.D. Professor of Medical Ethics and Professor of Medicine, WDOM, was elected to serve as President-Elect of the International Neuroethics Society, the world’s largest specialty society in neuroethics.

In this new leadership role, Dr. Fins will be leading the International Neuroethics Society, a professional association of scientists, scholars, students, and practicing legal and health professionals who advance discussion on the complex ethical issues arising from brain research and an expanding understanding of the mind. Experts in the ethical, legal, and societal impacts of advances in neuroscience, Society members are uniquely equipped to communicate the value and implications that new knowledge, technologies, and potential applications may bring to human health and wellbeing.

“I look forward to furthering new horizons in neuroethics in my role as President-Elect of the International Neuroethics Society. This Society has been at the forefront of critical discussions in neuroethics,” said Dr. Fins.

On the heels of his recent appointment, Dr. Fins moderated a panel discussion - “I Am Human” – hosted by the International Society of Neuroethics and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The virtual event analyzed “I Am Human,” a feature documentary that premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. The film explores the co-evolution of humans and technology by following three subjects with implantable brain interfaces and the ethical implications of this technology on society. Dr. Fins and the panelists, all leading experts in the field of neuroethics, considered the timely question: Will the brain technologies used today in medicine eventually lead to super human abilities or to a revolution of our sense of self?

Related Links

International Neuroethics Society 2020 Annual Meeting: "I Am Human" Panel Discussion
Preview: I Am Human (YouTube)