Neuroscience and the Problem of Dual Use

This book discusses recent brain research and the potentially dangerous dual-use applications of the findings of these research projects. The book is divided into three sections: Part I examines the rise in dual-use concerns within various state’s chemical and biological non-proliferation regime’s during this century, as well as the rapid technologically driven advances in neuroscience and the associated possible misuse considerations in the same period. Part II reviews the brain research projects in the EU, USA, Japan, China and several other countries with regard to their objectives, achievements and measures to deal with the problem of dual-use. Part III assesses the extent to which the results of this civil neuroscience work, which is intended to be benign, are being, and could be protected against future hostile applications in the development of novel chemical and biological weapons.

• Dual-Use Neuroscience
• Chemical Weapons
• Biological Weapons
• Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
• Chemical Weapons Convention
• Civil Neuroscience
• Exploitation of Civil Neuroscience
• Misuse of Neuroscience
• Brain Projects in the EU
• Neuroethics
• BRAIN Initiative
• Brain/MINDS Project
• Chemical and Biological Non-proliferation

“Neuroscience and the Problem of Dual Use puts modern brain science into perspective for all readers. Dando's insights and analyses are crucial to making lasting and robust policies to further nonproliferation regimes, and this book serves as a foundation for neuroS/T dual‐use research of concern as we emerge from the COVID‐19 pandemic.” (Joseph DeFranco, World Medical & Health Policy, January 28, 2021)

“After COVID-19 ensuring biological security will be a critical necessity. Neuroscience and the Problem of Dual Use focuses on the fact that benignly intended research in the life sciences could be misused for hostile purposes. It details the revolution that is taking place in neuroscience during this period of instability in international security, describes the new major State-funded brain research projects, and suggests ways in which hostile misuse could be prevented in coming decades. This book delivers a compelling wake-up call to all who care about military forces’ interest in research on the workings of the human brain and nervous system.” (Marie Isabelle Chevrier, PhD, Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Rutgers University-Camden) 

“As is well demonstrated in this important book, Dando always argues with clear logic and precision and often with foreknowledge of dangers that become more evident to others later.” (Professor Serhiy Komisarenko, Academician-Secretary of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences; Head, Commission on Biosafety and Biosecurity at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine)

“Worries about “neuroweapons” too often focus on gadgets out of the pages of science fiction. But, as Dando so brilliantly and trenchantly shows, the far greater threat is not over the horizon but under our noses: the malign use of important new knowledge about the brain.” (Jonathan D. Moreno, David and Lyn Silfen University Professor, University of Pennsylvania) 

“This book analyses the current status of brain research in leading countries and deals with directly with its dual-use possibilities. A must read alongside Jonathan D. Moreno's Mind Wars: Brain Research and National Defense.” (Professor Nariyoshi Shinomiya, Director of National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Japan) 

“This book provides an accessible, yet thorough examination of current brain projects. As Dando argues, this nascent area of study would greatly benefit from a code of conduct, especially around the ethical implications of neuroscience.” (Cheng Tang, Ex-Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Board of the OPCW)

“Malcolm R. Dando’s book Neuroscience and the Problem of Dual Use– Neuroethics in the New Brain Research Projects is a call to action on safeguarding the neuroscience field by drawing attention to the implications of dual use research. What makes this book a must read is the historical and parallel perspective Malcolm brings to the table when addressing the dual use in neuroscience in the context of upholding international norms against biological and chemical weapons. … Reading his book, one becomes acutely aware of the convergences in science and on the difficulty of categorizing scientists as chemists, microbiologists, or neuroscientists, the three main categories discussed in this book. … This book is recommended for everyone working in biosecurity and biosafety positions. It should be in bioresearch libraries, and managers should promote it as required reading. The book is that good.” (Dana Perkins, PhD, Senior Science Advisor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

• Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK

  Malcolm R. Dando

Malcolm Dando is a biologist researching international security at the University of Bradford’s Department of Peace Studies with a focus on chemical and biological weapons, arms control, and biosecurity. Dando previously held a Ministry of Defence-funded fellowship in operational research at the University of Sussex.

During the last 26 years, he has worked on strengthening the chemical and biological disarmament regime. He has produced numerous books, papers and policy-related reports in two key areas: the implications of advances in science for the regime and the awareness and education of scientists about dual-use. His key achievements have been to demonstrate the generally low level of awareness of scientists about dual-use, to develop active-learning, educational material on dual-use for scientists and to show that neuroscience is a critical field in which erosion of the regime could occur.

Policies and ethics