To which extent are brain functions affected by sex hormones? Are sex differences at the level of stem cells relevant? Is it possible to differentiate biological sex from other factors that can influence the brain, like culture or life experiences? Can it be ethically justified to only study homogenous groups when diagnosing and treating diseases, if that means neglecting human diversity?

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These are some of the questions that arise when exploring diversity in brain research: To differentiate variables has been recognised as relevant in brain research, robotics, and training of artificial intelligence. Considering the gender dimension in research is now a mandatory requirement for Horizon Europe, making diversity an important topic to explore.

In this webinar, the Human Brain Project encourages scientists to consider sex, gender and additional diversity factors in neuroscience and related fields: because biology, social factors and culture play an important role in shaping the brain.

Prof. Lutz Jäncke and Dr. Frances Quevenco will discuss recent findings and different viewpoints on how and when sex/gender differences in brain research are relevant. The event will be moderated by Prof. Katrin Amunts.

The Human Brain Project will also present the winners of our Diversity In Research Paper Awards (DIRPA), who will outline their own research results and join the discussion.

When? 18 May 2022, 16-17:30 CEST

Where? Online

Agenda

• Welcome to the event by Katrin Amunts
• Introductory Keynotes by Lutz Jäncke and Frances-Catherine Quevenco
• Presentations by Award Winners (Call for Diversity in Research Paper Award (DIRPA)):
  • Sanne Peters et al. (2020): “Sex differences in the association between major risk factors and the risk of stroke in the UK Biobank cohort study” and
  • Yi Zhang et al. (2021): “The Human Brain Is Best Described as Being on a Female/Male Continuum: Evidence from a Neuroimaging Connectivity Study”.
• Discussion and Conclusions

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The keynote lectures in this webinar will become part of the Human Brain Project’s Ethics & Society Training Resources, providing researchers who are interested in using the EBRAINS research infrastructure with the skills needed to identify and address ethical, legal, and societal issues that arise from brain research. Our goal is to enable a responsible research and innovation culture within the Human Brain Project, EBRAINS, and the neuroscience community: Raising awareness of the need to anticipate and deliberate on issues regarding responsibility through engaging with the public. This includes providing tools and methods for foresight as well as critical and philosophical reflection.

Want to know more about our ethics and society training resources?