Research ethics in an era of high-stakes technologies

What does it mean to do responsible research when today's technologies can alter our bodies, our brains, and the planet?

Biotechnology can already design new pathogens that could trigger global pandemics - or create the antibodies that might prevent them. Neurotechnology is moving quickly from research labs into everyday products, raising the question of who gets to own our thoughts and identities. And the possibility that even a single country or actor could unilaterally carry out a climate intervention is becoming more real, despite our limited understanding of the consequences.

In a world like this, can research ethics guide the emergence of high-stakes technologies before they leave the lab? How can research guardrails keep up with evolving uncertainties and difficult trade-offs? What kinds of research governance have worked (or failed) to inform societies' choices? What is the right EU research ethics approach to technologies emerging globally and with high-stakes impact?

This final Tech & Tonic session of 2025 brings together leading voices in ethics and science-for-policy from the EU and the UN for an intimate conversation on what we can learn from biotech, neurotech and other high-stakes technologies toward an EU approach that actually works.

We will explore:

• How research ethics can help steer biotech, neurotech, and climate intervention research before these technologies reach consumer shopping carts or political agenda
• Which forms of research governance support, rather than predetermine, policy choices?
• What should responsibility mean for European research funders in fast-moving global technology fields?
• How can ethics, foresight, and science advice work together to support democratic and responsible decision-making?

About Tech & Tonic

CFG presents Tech & Tonic, where conversations on emerging technologies – over a tipple (or two)– are sparked. Every quarter, we invite EU policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders to join us in an evening of networking and open conversations. Come with open minds; leave with fresh insights. P.s. we’ll keep this strictly casual.