Session Proposals

The International Neuroethics Society (INS) and Società Italiana di Neuroetica (SINe) invite students, researchers, and professionals from around the world to submit session proposals to be considered for Neuroethics 2025, to be held on April 23-25, 2025. The conference includes opportunities to participate virtually or in-person in Munich, Germany, at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences.

Proposals may align with the meeting’s theme — 'Neuroethics at the Intersection of the Brain and Artificial Intelligence' — but this is not required. The session proposals we receive will contribute to the development of the program. Proposals submitted for consideration are not guaranteed to become part of the program.

Before developing an abstract and submitting session proposals, please read the complete instructions and requirements outlined below. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. You may submit more than one proposal. Proposals are due by October 31, 2024.

If, instead of developing a session proposal, you simply want to recommend a session topic or outline a basic concept for an activity, email your ideas for the Program Committee to INS staff <[email protected]>.

Description

The written description for session proposals should be 250-350 words in length and must be in English (American or British). The session may address any topic related to neuroethics. Topics may, but are not required to, align with the theme on neuroethics and AI.

Description of the proposed session should include and articulate the:

• Format and structure of the session
• Topics, issues and themes to be discussed
• Proposed speakers, identifying the diverse perspectives and viewpoints they will present
• Importance of addressing these topics at this time
• Intended goals, objectives, and/or outcomes

Sessions can be either 60 or 90 minutes long. There are few limitations with regard to possible session formats, but proposals should include opportunities for meaningful interaction among speakers and attendees. Outlining deliverables or outcomes of the session is also appreciated.

All speakers included in proposals must have confirmed their interest in participating, and authors submitting a proposal will be expected to lead the organization and planning of the session — including holding preparatory meetings and coordinating with the Program Committee. Speakers included in proposals may participate in-person or virtually, and plenary panels may include a mix of participation formats, however only in-person speakers will be able to contribute to concurrent sessions. Please indicate the expected participation method for each proposed speaker.

Components

In addition to the description, submissions must include:

• A proposed title;
• A written description of the proposed session as outline above;
• Details for each session organizer and proposed speaker(s);
• Disclosure of any conflicts of interest;
• References or supplemental resources;
• Identification of topics.

Formats

With regard to format, there are few restrictions and we encourage creative and interdisciplinary approaches. All proposals should describe how meaningful interaction between speakers and attendees will be facilitated. Sessions must be 60 or 90 minutes long.

Possible formats to consider include:

• Panel – Three or four speakers giving short presentations followed by a group discussion and/or a question and answer period facilitated by a moderator
• Discussion – Two or more speakers interrogating a topic from different perspectives with the conversation steered by questions offered by a moderator and/or attendees
• Debate – Two or three speakers presenting opposing views on a topic with an introduction from a moderator and an open discussion with attendees
• Roundtable – Facilitated group discussions on the different components of a complex central topic, either with or without a plenary introduction or concluding/reporting periods
• Workshop – Focused learning opportunity featuring instruction and small-group interactions
• Performances – Singular creative work to be presented and discussed / reflected upon
• Exhibition – Multiple, concurrent presenters with an open format for attendees to mingle

Submit

Proposals are due by October 31, 2024. This priority deadline will not be extended.

Complete all sections in the Session Proposal for Neuroethics 2025 (docx), and return to INS staff <[email protected]>. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Contact INS staff if you have questions or points of clarification.

Session Proposal (docx)

Review

The Program Committee will review session proposals on a rolling basis. Submissions will be anonymized prior to review. Determinations regarding acceptance into the program will be made by November 30, 2024 and authors will be informed thereafter.

Proposals submitted for consideration are not guaranteed to become part of the program. Decisions made by the Program Committee will be considered final.