Media

January 9, 2007

News Release

Contact:
Stephanie L. Tennyson
703-525-0770
stennyson[at]potomacinstitute.org
www.PotomacInstitute.org

\Arlington , VA – The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce the launch of The Center for Neurotechnology Studies or CNS. CNS will operate as an academic center within the Institute.

The Center for Neurotechnology Studies will provide neutral, in-depth analysis of matters at the intersection of neuroscience and technology—neurotechnology—and public policy. The Center will anticipate ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with emerging neurotechnology, and shepherd constructive discourse on these issues. It will provide a forum for reasoned consideration of these subjects both by experts and the public.

CNS will provide expert support to government agencies pursuing neurotechnology on the science itself as well as the ELSI-related topics, and develop policy options to address them. The Center will cultivate knowledge and inspire discussion on the implications of neurotechnology in legislative, administrative, regulative, judicial, academic, and entrepreneurial enterprises. As a result, it is expected that the Center will become a highly-sought partner by the research community for advice, partnership, and advocacy for the public and private funding of key neurotechnology research.

Potomac Institute Chairman and CEO, Michael Swetnam, noted “The Center is poised to become one of the most influential endeavors that Potomac has undertaken in our almost thirteen year history.”

Consistent with Potomac Institute’s methodology, CNS will maintain standing in the scientific community by actively participating in the science itself. The work of the Center will be guided by an advisory board made up of experts in science, technology, ethics, law, and public policy.

CNS will host a series of lectures, seminars, and other forums to address issues involved in the development of neurotechnology. By publishing articles and reports on neurotechnology, the Center will contribute to the public debate and understanding of this complicated topic, thereby helping to shape a reasoned and productive civic dialogue on these issues. CNS Interim Director, Potomac Institute President Dr. Dennis McBride, said, “It is more than exciting for Potomac to provide a leadership role for this rapidly expanding community. This technology will revolutionize life as we know it.”

The formal launch of CNS will coincide with the first seminar in late January. For additional information on the Center please see the Institute’s website at www.potomacinstitute.org or contact Stephanie Tennyson (703-525-0770 or stennyson[at]potomacinstitute.org) or email cns[at]potomacinstitute.org.

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit public policy research institute. The Institute identifies and aggressively shepherds discussion on key science and technology issues facing our society. From these discussions and forums, we develop meaningful science and technology policy options and ensure their implementation at the intersection of business and government.

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