IN-FET's (online) Workshop on Science communication and Responsible Research and Innovation

This workshop is kindly supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 project ‘‘IN-FET’’ (GA n. 862882) and by the International School of Advanced Studies, SISSA.

14 Jan 2021 10:00 - 12:00 - Agenda of the online Workshop

10:00 - 10:10 Welcome note

10:10 - 10:40 Science communication and scientific citizenship (Dr. Nico Pitrelli)

Science communication is not only about how knowledge travels between individuals and groups, it is not necessarily carried out by scientists, and its users are not always motivated by a simple desire to know more science.It is also about organisations, social conflicts, careers and it involves collectives.In this talk we will discuss science communication in the context of the relationships between science, citizens and democracy. How does public communication of science relate to scientific citizenship?

10:40 - 11:10 Neuroscience: fostering the dialogue between science and society (Dr. Chiara Saviane)

The latest advancements in neuroscience research are raising ethical, legal and social issues which cannot be dealt with by scientists alone. A dialogue between neuroscientists, clinicians, philosophers, lawyers, policymakers, industry and the wider public is considered more and more necessary for the development of Responsible Research and Innovation and for the shaping of a governance of new technologies in this field. This talk will present some case studies of such initiatives as well as a few communication tools which can be used to foster the dialogue among different stakeholders on controversial issues.

11:10 - 11:50 Responsible research and innovation in Neurotechnologies (Dr. Ricardo Chavarriaga)

The field of neurotechnologies is experiencing a thriving period. Private and public investment has enabled intensive research in novel sensing technologies, advanced materials, as well as improvements in computing power and artificial intelligence. This process has resulted in better ways to study the brain and to develop potential solutions for therapeutic, assistive and consumer-oriented applications. Nonetheless, technology translation of research in neurotechnologies from laboratory proof-of concepts to viable solutions entails a large set of challenges. The emerging nature of this field of research makes it difficult to assess with certainty all the risks and benefits of such technologies.

Responsible research and innovation implies addressing these challenges at all stages of the life cycle, from the ideation to the deployment and decommission of technology. This talk will discuss several principles that can guide such a process, involving continuous risk/benefit monitoring, stakeholder involvement, user-centred design, among others. It will also describe current efforts along these lines including the development of a standards roadmap for brain-machine interfacing led by IEEE Standards Association, the OECD recommendations for responsible innovation in neurotechnology enterprises, and the International Brain Initiative working group on data standards and sharing.

11:50 - 12:00 Final discussion and conclusions