Why do you think your paper is highly cited?

Our article was one of the first papers in neuroethics that bridged research on the ethics of genomics and genetics with new challenges brought about by functional neuroimaging. The paper highlighted that both scientific and sociocultural factors are important in interpreting neuroimaging data.

 Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or synthesis of knowledge?

This paper described a new perspective on the challenges created by advances in neuroscience, in particular, social neuroscience and functional neuroimaging studies that probe complex human behaviors.

 Would you summarize the significance of your paper in layman's terms?

The significance of the paper lies in its analysis of the interaction between epistemology (what we think we know with functional neuroimaging tools) and ethics (how and when we should use this knowledge). The paper highlighted how constraints on the epistemology inform ethical choices.

 How did you become involved in this research and were any particular problems encountered along the way?

This research paved the way for a longstanding and highly productive collaboration in neuroethics between the authors.

 Where do you see your research leading in the future?

The authors' research is aligned more than ever toward understanding how neuroscientists can tackle effectively the societal implications of their research.

 Do you foresee any social or political implications for your research?

The paper dealt with social and ethical implications of neuroimaging research. The conversation on the use of neuroimaging is still ongoing. The field is maturing with interdisciplinary dialogue and meaningful engagement of ethics from inception to dissemination and uptake.

Judy Illes, Ph.D.
Canada Research Chair in Neuroethics
Professor of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine
National Core for Neuroethics
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Web

Eric Racine, Ph.D.
Director, Neuroethics Research Unit
Assistant Research Professor
Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM)
Department of Medicine and Department of Social and Preventive Medicine
Université de Montréal
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery & Biomedical Ethics Unit
McGill University
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Web

KEYWORDS: GLUCOSE-METABOLISM; BRAIN; AMYGDALA; FEAR; NEUROSCIENCE; INFORMATION; CORTEX; FACES; RACE; MIND.