As a neuroscientist turned neuroethicist, I am sure I have made more than my share of bioethical goofs. (How DO you pronounce “nonmaleficence?”) But for those of you with the opposite problem – bioethicists who wish they knew more neuroscience – your colleagues at Penn have devised a way to help!

From August 2-12 2009, we will hold an intensive summer institute at Penn, designed to bring bioethicists and others up to speed in cognitive and affective neuroscience. Through a combination of lectures, break-out groups, panel discussions and laboratory visits, participants will gain an understanding of the methods of neuroscience and key findings on the cognitive and social-emotional functions of the brain, lifespan development and disorders of brain function.

Each lecture will be followed by extensive Q&A. Break-out groups will allow participants to delve more deeply into topics of relevance to their fields. Laboratory visits will include trip to an MRI scanner, an EEG/ERP lab, an animal neurophysiology lab, and a transcranial magnetic stimulation lab.

The cost of the Boot Camp, including housing and two meals a day, is $3,000, and scholarship support is available. The application deadline is February 1, 2009. For more information please go to http://neuroethics.upenn.edu/boot_camp.html

Martha J. Farah, PhD

Martha Farah is the Walter H. Annenberg Professor in Natural Sciences and Senior Fellow of Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also the Director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Penn and the Communications and Membership Director for the Neuroethics Society.