Towards an appropriate societal embedding of neuroimaging

Improved accuracy of brain mapping technologies (neuroimaging) increases the number of possible applications within various domains. This proposal focuses on the (potential) use of neuroimaging in domains of healthcare, education and justice. Although opportunities for improved diagnostics, treatment, decision making, learning and criminal investigation have been identified, concerns with respect to privacy, identity, fairness, equity, etc are also raised. Since different actors are eager to exploit neuroimaging in commercial settings, this might result in decontextualised simplisms and deterministic value judgements that harm the societal image of neuroimaging and subsequently may destabilize implementation. This project takes a design perspective by identifying potential, mutually fruitful, bridges between technology developers and users, AND formulating actions to be undertaken in neuroimaging innovation trajectories, so as to contribute to an appropriate societal embedding of its (commercial) applications. To this end, we initiate an innovative science-society dialogue process ? based on the Interactive Learning and Action approach ? in which (a) stakeholders from science and society are actively involved in an open exchange, planning, action and reflection process, (b) both scientific and practical knowledge is integrated, and (c) (mutual) learning is enhanced. The project consists of four phases: (1) Initiation and exploration through desk study and interviews, (2) in-depth study of needs and visions of different stakeholders from science and society by interviews and focus groups, (3) integration of knowledge domains through dialogue meetings, and (4) prioritization and action planning. The participatory character is one of the best guarantees for the societal relevance and valorisation of the research.