Researchers’ and General Public’s Attitude Survey on BRAIN-AI Fusion

The BRAIN-AI Initiative, a fusion of artificial intelligence and neuroscience research by the JST ERATO Iketani Brain-AI Fusion Project, has the potential to break through the limits of existing brain activity and extend 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, the BRAIN–AI x HITE collaboration effort brings together BRAIN–AI researchers with 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 Amane Ishida of the Osaka University Ethics, Legal and Social Research Center (ELSI) conducted a survey of awareness of brain science and brain information. The general public (2,000 responses) and neuroscience researchers (108 responses).

As a result of the “Awareness Survey on Brain Science/Brain Information”, although the general public does not know much about neuroscience, many people are in favor of advancing brain science research and the use of brain-related information. It turns out that Impressions of this research.

This is the answer to the question, “What do you want to know about brain science/brain information?” (In the case of researchers, what do you want to convey?), we found that there is a growing awareness among neuroscientists about the need to communicate the mechanisms of the brain and the development and prospects of brain research to society. rice field. A series of actions that convey the content of this research and its potential applications can therefore meet the expectations of the general 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.

Responses to the question “What is important for social acceptance of the use of brain information”? It became clear that there is a relatively high degree of interest in the measures that should be considered in such cases. However, researchers tended to be concerned with the scientific validity of using brain information and the benefits of neuroscience research.

Responses to the question “What should be included in ethical guidelines for the use of brain-related information, and how important are they?” expressed a 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.

Provided by Japan Science and Technology Agency