Therapeutic hopes and ethical concerns: Clinical research in the neurosciences

There is an urgent need for sustained, sound debate on research ethics in the neurosciences. The project Therapeutic hopes and ethical concerns: Clinical research in the neurosciences will contribute to this debate. This research focuses on the ethics of clinical trials in gene transfer and stem cell research for rapidly progressing fatal neurological conditions (taking glioblastoma as an example) and neurodegenerative conditions (taking Parkinsons disease as an example). We will address issues to do with preclinical assessment, research design, the potential impact of gene transfer and stem cell interventions in the brain on issues of personal identity, and consent to brain research. This research aims to influence health research and health policy, with particular attention to Canadian priorities.