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Press release 03/2025

Public hearing: Novel neurotechnologies – developments and trends

Brain implants, exoskeletons, mind reading, neurogaming: neurotechnologies are developing rapidly. Which innovations are currently shaping research? What goals are being pursued by science and industry – and which expectations are realistic? The German Ethics Council will address these issues in a public hearing on 18 September.
09/16/2025

“Neurotechnologies are not only being researched and applied in medicine, but are also increasingly finding their way into everyday life, at work and for leisure,” emphasises Helmut Frister, Chairman of the German Ethics Council. “The widespread use of these technologies raises a number of ethical questions, including questions of responsibility, data protection, mental integrity and dependencies. The German Ethics Council will address these issues in an Opinion.”

“Many of the current developments are no longer aimed at patients alone and are being developed directly for everyday use, especially in Silicon Valley,” adds Council member Aldo Faisal. The computer scientist and engineer will moderate the event. “We don't want to just stand by and watch these rapid developments unfold. For us, it is crucial to proactively consider ethical issues in technological developments from the very outset and to understand what trade-offs we will face in the future.”

At the hearing, the Council will begin by discussing trends and crucial points in current research with leading experts from Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The focus will be on the following questions:

  • Which neurotechnologies could soon become part of everyday life – for example, in education, the work environment or leisure activities?
  • Can neurotechnologies read thoughts – or even influence them?
  • What possibilities exist for using neurotechnologies to record emotions, attention or mental states – and perhaps even to control them?
  • What future applications are conceivable for neurotechnology-supported exoskeletons and other forms of physical support or enhancement?
  • What ethical challenges do experts see in their respective fields of research?

The hearing will be held in English, with simultaneous translation into German available. It is open to the public and will be streamed at www.ethikrat.org/live. Registration is not required.

Public hearing
Novel neurotechnologies – developments and trends
When: 18 September 2025 from 13:30 to 18:00
Where: www.ethikrat.org/live

The programme and event brochure with all information about the speakers can be found at www.ethikrat.org/en/events/hearings/novel-neurotechnologies.