The evolution of neurotechnological innovations raises pressing legal and ethical questions—particularly around mental privacy, autonomy, and equity. Understanding and guiding their impact is crucial as society adapts to the realities of brain-interfacing technologies.
As the new Canada Research Chair in the Law and Ethics of Brain Technologies, Professor Jennifer Chandler will lead an ambitious research program that addresses the societal and regulatory challenges posed by brain-interfacing technologies.
A Full Professor in the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, and a Faculty Member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society, Professor Jennifer Chandler is an expert in the legal and ethical dimensions of health and biomedical technologies. Her work focuses particularly on brain sciences and neurotechnologies, including the integration of artificial intelligence in neuroprostheses. She has played a leading role in advancing multidisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience and law and is widely recognized for her contributions in advising government bodies on complex ethical and policy issues in healthcare.
This research will break new ground in using microphenomenological interview techniques to understand the experiences of living with and acting through neurotechnologies. Professor Chandler seeks to integrate and centre the voices of the actual and intended users in the design and policy debates surrounding these devices. Her research program will also support and train the next generation of thinkers to take forward the work of understanding how these evolving technologies affect individuals and societies, and how to respond to the new powers they offer.
This new Canada Research Chair will be supported by the University of Ottawa Centre for Law, Technology and Society, Canada’s leading research hub on technology law, ethics, and policy. The Centre, which is home to six other Canada Research Chairs and three University Research Chairs, will offer Professor Chandler a robust network of interdisciplinary expertise and opportunities for policy engagement.
The Canada Research Chairs Program invests to attract and retain some of the world’s most distinguished and promising scholars. Chairholders are expected to achieve excellence in research across a wide range of fields, including engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Congratulations to Professor Chandler!