Science, Art, and Neuroethics ― Transdisciplinary Collaborations to Foster Public Engagement

Research in the field of neurotechnology raises ethical and societal questions and thus represents a particular challenge for public engagement efforts. How should formats of public outreach be shaped to encourage public reflection on science? How can the one-way nature of communication between the expert and lay people be overcome? This anthology introduces a special concept of public outreach relying on participatory events that create a productive overlap of the fields of science and art. The contributors from various disciplines discuss the relationship of both spheres, present current science/art initiatives, and locate this transdisciplinary approach within the debate on public engagement theories and higher education policy specifications.

Mathilde Bessert-Nettelbeck is a behavioral biologist and has worked in science communication and public relations. Within the cluster of excellence "BrainLinks – BrainTools" at the University of Freiburg, she develops and curates participatory projects and events that operate at the interface of science and art and aim at promoting an ethical and societal reflection on neurotechnology.

Sabrina Livanec studied modern German literature, French, and business administration in Duisburg, Angers and Freiburg. Within the cluster of excellence "BrainLinks – BrainTools" at the University of Freiburg, she develops and curates participatory projects and events that operate at the interface between science and art and aim to promote an ethical and societal discussion on neurotechnology.

Oliver Muller studied philosophy and modern German literature in Heidelberg, Hamburg, Venice, and at Humboldt University Berlin. He works as a private lecturer at the University of Freiburg with a focus on the philosophy of technology and neuroethics. Within the cluster of excellence "BrainLinks – BrainTools" at the University of Freiburg, he is head of a junior research group and leads projects on philosophical and ethical questions concerning neurotechnological interventions and brain-machine interfaces. He has held a Heisenberg fellowship since 2015.