Understanding Brain Computer Interfaces for People with Disabilities
BCI-DEF: Brain Computer Interfaces and Disability: Developing an Inclusive Ethical Framework
This project gathers insights from patients, families, and doctors to help create fair and safe guidelines for new brain computer interface technologies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110325 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) are exciting new tools that can help people with neurological disabilities communicate or move by interpreting brain signals. While these technologies offer great hope, it's important to understand all the potential benefits and challenges. This project will talk with patients, their families, and healthcare providers to learn about their experiences and concerns. We want to make sure that as BCI technology develops, it is used in a way that is ethical, safe, and truly helpful for everyone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for providing input are patients with neurological disabilities affecting communication or motor function, along with their family members and caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have neurological disabilities or are not potential users of brain computer interface technology may not directly benefit from this specific ethical framework development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work will help ensure that future brain computer interface technologies are developed and used in a way that respects patient values, protects their privacy, and maximizes their well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While the technology itself is rapidly advancing, this project uses a novel approach of structured interviews and deliberative democracy to gather diverse ethical perspectives directly from stakeholders.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirsch, Karen G — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hirsch, Karen G
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.