Survey of researchers and the public on attitudes toward BRAIN–AI convergence - eMedNews

The BRAIN-AI initiative, a fusion of artificial intelligence and neuroscience research by the JST ERATO Ikegaya Brain-AI Fusion Project, has the potential to break through existing limitations on brain activity and expand human capabilities. Meanwhile, during the BRAIN-AI initiative, experts are expected to examine problems on ethical, legal, and social aspects, that must be discussed. These problems include the information handling in the human brain itself (the most private information available), the potential for increased inequality due to future technologies that enhance human capabilities, and philosophical issues surrounding identities such as who is responsible for decisions made by a brain–computer interface (BCI). To address these challenges, the BRAIN–AI HITE collaboration effort brings together BRAIN–AI researchers with researchers specializing in ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI); responsible research and innovation (RRI); and philosophy. The goal is to ensure that BRAIN–AI research can bring true happiness (well-being) to humans by examining, from the earliest stages of research, the impact of this technology on people and society based on the in-depth knowledge of humanities and social sciences. As part of this effort, a team led by Associate Professor Ryuma Shineha and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Shu Ishida at Osaka University's Research Center on Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) conducted a survey on attitudes toward brain science and brain information, targeting the general public (2,000 responses) and researchers in the field of neuroscience (108 responses).