The BRAIN-AI initiative, which is a fusion of artificial intelligence and brain science research by JST ERATO “Ikegaya Brain-AI Fusion Project”, has the potential to break through the existing limits of brain activity and expand human capabilities. . On the other hand, the BRAIN-AI Initiative expects experts to consider ethical, legal and social aspects of the issues to be discussed. These issues include information processing in the human brain itself (the most private information available), the potential for widening inequalities due to future technologies that enhance human capabilities, and the impact of decisions made by the brain. It includes philosophical issues surrounding identities such as those responsible. Computer Interface (BCI). To address these challenges, BRAIN-AI x HITE* Collaborative effort brings together BRAIN-AI researchers and researchers specializing in ethical, legal, and social impacts (ELSI). responsible research and innovation (RRI); and philosophy. The aim is to examine whether BRAIN-AI research can bring true happiness (well-being) to humans from the initial stages of research, based on the knowledge of the humanities, and to clarify the impact it has on humans and society. increase. social science.
As part of this, a team led by Associate Professor Ryoma Shinba and Project Assistant Professor Shu Ishida of the Osaka University Ethics, Legal and Social Research Center (ELSI) conducted a survey of awareness of brain science and brain information. From 4 July 2022 he was a general public (2,000 responses) on 5th, and from 9 July 2022 he was a researcher in the neuroscience field (108 responses) on 19th August.
As a result of the “Awareness Survey on Brain Science and Brain Information”, it was found that the general public does not know much about neuroscience, but a high proportion of people agree with advancing brain science research and the use of brain information. I was. expressed hope for this research.
answers to questions “What do you want to know about brain science/brain information?” (or if you’re a researcher, “What do you want to tell me?”) demonstrated an increasing awareness among neuroscientists about the mechanisms involved in the brain and the need to inform society about the developments and prospects of brain research. A series of actions that convey its potential for application can meet the expectations of the public. Furthermore, while there is a strong public interest in brain mechanisms and potential medical applications, there are significant differences between the general public and researchers on specific topics. Delving deeper into his ELSI topics, such as the use of brain-related information for enhancement and its potential to change the way we see humanity, the identification and discussion of issues within the research community goes far beyond them. It looks like there is General people who are not very interested in the current situation. On the other hand, privacy issues and applications to criminal investigations may be of more interest to the general public than to researchers.
answers to questions “What is important for the use of brain information to be accepted by society?” Compared to researchers, the general public has a relatively high degree of concern about possible risks, the severity of accidents, and the measures that should be considered if an accident occurs. However, researchers tended to be concerned with the scientific validity of using brain information and the benefits of neuroscience research.
answers to questions “What should be included in ethical guidelines for the use of brain-related information, and how important are they?” expressed high interest in data governance and privacy as a priority. This result suggests that researchers are more interested in more specific issues related to ELSI, such as discrimination surrounding the brain (stigma), technological accessibility (equitable access to the latest technology), and well-being (happiness). It also suggests that there is a tendency to , was ahead of its time on these issues.
Based on the survey results, we plan to hold general participation-type discussion workshops and other events to better understand society’s expectations of brain science research and identify concerns. We also explore appropriate means of communication between neuroscientists and society based on society’s expectations and concerns.
* BRAIN-AI × HITE is the JST ERATO Ikeya brain/AI fusion project (BRAIN-AI Hybrid) and the JST Research and Development Organization for Society and Technology (RISTEX) Human and Information Technology Ecosystem (HITE) project.
Details of the Ikeya Brain AI Fusion Project: https://www.jst.go.jp/erato/ikegaya/english.html
HITE project details: https://www.jst.go.jp/ristex/hite/ja/index.html
Survey method
Research
Research theme
people
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