IHEM Speaker Series: Prof. Dr. Marcello Ienca

Title of the talk: An Insider View on the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology

Ace AI As neuroscience and neurotechnology become increasingly intertwined, they have the power to revolutionize neuroscience, but also raise profound ethical questions about privacy, autonomy, and human agency.
Neurotechnology, which directly interfaces with the human nervous system, is evolving rapidly with the help of AI. This fusion could unlock groundbreaking medical and scientific progress, but it also challenges how we think about decision-making, consent, and the boundaries of human thought.

We are proud to have Marcello Ienca, member of UNESCO’s Ad Hoc Expert Group on the Ethics of Neurotechnology, President-elect of the International Neuroethics Society, and Professor at our Institute, for the IHEM Speaker Series‘ first edition in 2026. Ienca is exploring how AI is transforming neurotechnology — and why ethics and transparency must lead the way as we navigate this new frontier of the mind.

UNESCO's Member States took the final step towards adopting the first global normative framework on the ethics of neurotechnology. The Recommendation, which will enter into force on November 12, establishes essential safeguards to ensure that neurotechnology contributes to improving the lives of those who need it the most, without jeopardizing human rights. The new UNESCO standard-setting instrument calls on governments to ensure that neurotechnology remains inclusive and affordable, while establishing safeguards to preserve the sanctity of the human mind. More background information on the recommendation can be found at the UNESCO website.

If you would like to attend, please use the following Zoom dial-in info:

https://tum-conf.zoom.us/j/63062412184

Meeting ID: 630 6241 2184
Code: 536634