About CNS

The Center for Neurotechnology Studies (CNS) is directed by Dr. James Giordano. CNS provides neutral, in-depth analysis of matters at the intersection of neuroscience and technology—neurotechnology—and public policy. The Center anticipates ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with emerging neurotechnology, and shepherds constructive discourse on these issues. It provides a forum for reasoned consideration of issues both by subject area experts and by the public. The Center partners with the research community for discourse and consultation on ethically sound neurotechnology research and applications. The Center cultivates and stewards knowledge and discussion on the implications of neurotechnology in academic, administrative, entrepreneurial, regulatory, legislative and judicial enterprises. CNS serves as authoritative counsel to government agencies pursuing neurotechnology by providing expertise in the sciences, ethics, law and social policy.

Click below to watch a video describing the mission and focus of CNS.

Activities of the Center for Neurotechnology Studies

The Center actively shepherds research and public debate on neurotechnology, and advises public and private sectors working to study and develop neuroscience and technology. These objectives are achieved through:

Research: CNS is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the foci, use, and impact(s) of neurotechnology, particularly as relates to ethical, legal and social issues arising in and from this field.

Workshops/Seminars: CNS hosts lectures, seminars, and other activities to address development and issues of neurotechnology.

Briefings: The Center informs policy-makers and agency personnel on emerging scientific, ethical, legal and social issues related to the development and implementation of neurotechnologies.

Publications: The Center publishes papers on all aspects of neurotechnology in monographs, specialized journals, and the popular press. This contribution to the public debate fosters a broader and deeper understanding, and helps to shape a more reasoned and productive dialogue on these issues.

Visiting Scholars: The CNS encourages research collaboration and invites participation of visiting scholars with aligned interests.

For further information please email us: CNS (at) potomacinstitute (dot) org.

Prof. James Giordano Blogs on Neuroscience and Ethics

Prof. James Giordano, PhD, is a neuroscientist, Vice President for Academic Programs and Director of the Center for Neurotechnology Studies at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Prof. Giordano's new blog, NeuroBioEthics, addresses current issues in neuroscience and complements CNS' mission to provide neutral, in-depth analysis of issues at the intersection of neurotechnology, neuroethics, and public policy. For more information about CNS, watch the video on this page. For more information about Prof. Giordano, click here.

Follow Prof. James Giordano on Twitter @Neurobioethics

Prof. James Giordano, PhD, is a neuroscientist, Vice President for Academic Programs and Director of the Center for Neurotechnology Studies at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Prof. Giordano Tweets on current events in neuroscience, neurotechnology and neuroethics, and you can follow his CNS Twitter feed @Neurobioethics. CNS' mission is to provide neutral, in-depth analysis of issues at the intersection of neurotechnology, neuroethics, and public policy. For more information about CNS, watch the video on this page. For more information about Prof. Giordano, click here.

What Is CCNELSI?

The Capital Consortium for Neuroscience: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (CCNELSI), www.ccnelsi.com, was developed by Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Vice President of Academic Programs, Prof. James Giordano, PhD. CCNELSI operates in conjunction with the Institute and its Center for Neurotechnology Studies as a forum for the exploration of emerging issues in neuroscience and accompanying ethical concerns. CCNELSI partners with area academic and research institutions to enrich the intellectual life of the DC and Northern Virginia communities. Click below to watch a video in which Prof. Giordano explains CCNELSI's mission.

National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI)

National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI) Goals:

- Develop the supporting infrastructure and tools needed to advance neurotechnology;
- Develop a highly advanced, interdisciplinary, interagency R&D program in neurotechnology;
- Facilitate development and transfer of new technologies in medicine, assistive devices, learning, computing, and other products that will benefit the public good and national interest; and,
- Support responsible development of neurotechnology through research in ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) arising from emerging technologies.

Visiting Scholars

Opportunities are available for short term (e.g.- 2-4 weeks) and long term (e.g.-1-12 months) visiting scholars to work at the Center for Neurotechnology Studies. Scholars from academia, government, and the industrial/technology sector whose research interests are aligned with the scope and mission of the Center are encouraged to apply for these positions by writing to the Director and providing (1) the focus of the intended studies and work; (2) a short precis of the project; (3) proposed length and tentative dates of stay, and (4) a current curriculum vitae.

Visiting scholars do not receive a stipend, and are encouraged to seek support for their work through extramural and/or intramural funding. A nominal fee of $200/week is charged of visiting scholars for administrative and computational support. Scholars are provided with desk space, computer and have complete access to all Center activities.

As well, joint visiting scholar appointments can be arranged at the University of Oxford, UK.

For further information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .