Bioethics and Legal Regulation of Human Enhancement Technologies

As technology reshapes the boundaries of human capabilities, ethical and legal regulation becomes pivotal. This intensive 3-days workshop delves into the scientific basis of HETs, explores key ethical principles, examines global legal standards, and studies real-world case precedents. Participants will critically engage with regulatory challenges and craft forward-looking policy approaches to emerging bio-enhancement technologies, fostering a nuanced global perspective.

• To introduce the fundamental science behind human enhancement technologies such as CRISPR and neural interfaces.

• To examine the core bioethical principles and their application in regulating human enhancement.

• To explore national and international legal instruments governing human enhancement technologies.

• To discuss landmark cases and regulatory challenges across different jurisdictions.

• To encourage cross-cultural understanding of ethical debates on biotechnology.

• To prepare participants to anticipate and engage with the future regulatory needs of emerging biotechnologies.

Day 1: Foundations pf HETs – Science, Ethics & Global Perspectives

● CRISPR, neuro enhancement, and ethical limits under international biomedical law.
● Understanding Human Enhancement Technologies Introduction to CRISPR gene editing, brain-computer interfaces, and neural implants
● Therapy vs. Enhancement: Drawing the Ethical Line Examining concepts like medical necessity, human dignity, and the transhumanist debate
● Core Bioethics Principles in Practice Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice in the context of biotechnology
● Cross-Cultural and Religious Perspectives Comparative insights into how diverse ethical systems interpret enhancement technologies

Day 2: Regulation in Action – Law, Oversight & Global Standards

● Global Bio-Legal Instruments UNESCO Declaration, WHO ethics guidance, and the Oviedo Convention
● Comparative National Regulations Case studies from the EU, USA, India, China, and Brazil
● Governing CRISPR and Genetic Editing Discussion of moratoriums, oversight mechanisms, and permissible practices
● Regulating Neuro enhancement and Brain Technologies Brain privacy, cognitive liberty, and informed consent in neurotech

Day 3: Case Studies, Risks & the Future of Policy Design

● Legal Precedents & Landmark Cases Disputes and litigation in human enhancement across jurisdictions
● Risk Governance in Emerging Tech Applying the precautionary principle, public trust, and regulatory accountability
● The Path Toward Global Harmonization Discussion on treaties, conventions, and cross-border regulatory cooperation
● Ethical Futures and Policy Innovation Roundtable on what should be regulated, how, and why

• Law students, scholars, and practitioners specializing in health law, technology law, and bioethics

• Biotechnology researchers and professionals

• Medical professionals interested in ethical aspects of biotechnology

• Policymakers, regulatory professionals, and think tanks

• Graduate and postgraduate students from life sciences, legal studies, public policy, and allied fields

• Anyone interested in the intersection of science, ethics, and global governance