About OWNS

Are you looking for structured and rigorous training in the different skills required to design and deliver interdisciplinary Neuroethics projects?

Overview


The Oxford Winter Neuroethics School (OWNS) is an intensive program designed to explore cutting-edge research in Neuroethics. Led by experts from the University of Oxford’s Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) Team, the course brings together distinguished Neuroethics researchers from around the globe, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with leaders in the field.

Neuroethics is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that explores two key areas of inquiry:

  1. The neuroscience and psychology of morality, including topics such as moral capacity, ethical decision-making, and behavior.
  2. The ethics of neuroscience, mental health, and psychiatry, addressing issues like neuromodulation, therapeutic interventions, and treatment approaches.

At the OWNS, we focus particularly on the second branch of Neuroethics. Our goal is to equip the next generation of Neuroethicists with the tools and insights needed to address the complex methodological challenges within this evolving field.

Oxford skyline at sunset

Why Apply to OWNS?

Our curriculum is uniquely designed to be highly useful to researchers and professionals who want to develop a specialism in Neuroethics.

The course adopts an interactive hands-on approach to learning the skills necessary for a career in Neuroethics and adjacent fields. Online modules will include guided exercises in applying research methods to real-world neuroethical issues.

The course is especially suitable for those intending to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral academic research in Neuroethics; to complement a medical research career with training in Neuroethics; or to pursue an industry or policy career that requires or benefits from advanced Neuroethics skills and knowledge.  

Student at St. Hugh's library

Aims & Outcomes

By the end of the school participants will be able to:

  • Explain, rationalise, and apply key theoretical and practical research methods to real-world neuroethical issues in their own (future) research 
  • Identify and analyse central neuroethical issues, problems, and topics, arising both in a clinical context and in wider society 
  • Design and present a research project in Neuroethics, and receive and respond to peer-review feedback on this project 
  • Confidently identify, pursue, create, and navigate a variety of career routes for Neuroethicists – both inside academia and beyond, in industry and policy roles. 

Mature students at Medical Sciences Division, Oxford University

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