Thomas Stieglitz outlined the clinical applications and technical challenges of neurotechnologies. Photo: Levin Sottru
On January 20 and 21 top ranking national and international scientists (Gernöt Böhme, Shaun Gallagher, Sara Goering amongst others) met at the conference “Mechanized Brains, Embodied Technologies, Restored Movements” organized by PD Dr. Oliver Müller and taking place at the Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies (FRIAS). With a focus on deep brain stimulation (DBS), speakers from philosophy and neuroscience provided an interdisciplinary overview of ongoing research. Theoretical thoughts and neuroscientifc findings were discussed next to the ethical implications of neurotechnological interventions. While the talks on Friday addressed the philosophical, ethical and technical prerequisites, the talks on Saturday particularly took the perspective of patients into consideration. A highlight was the new “Focus Group” format, in which three DBS patients shared detailed insights into their personal lives with Parkinson’s disease as well as into the direct confrontation with neurotechnological intervention. On Saturday evening, the scientists left with strong impressions of this encounter and the exciting discussions. To keep hold of the scientific conclusions and the mutual exchange, conference proceedings are already in planning.