Makarena Dudley heads to UNESCO neurotechnology summit

Neuroscientist Dr Makarena Dudley (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu), a senior lecturer in psychology, and dementia researcher at the University of Auckland, will represent New Zealand in the Asia Pacific Group at a global gathering of leading academics, politicians and industry stakeholders.

The event, organised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), aims to prepare a draft text of recommendations on the ethics of neurotechnology.

Dr Dudley will join 24 international experts from around the world at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris from 24 – 30 August to collaborate on the critical initiative. 

Her nomination for the event arose from her extensive work over the years addressing the cultural bias in neuropsychological testing for Māori and her research into mate wareware (dementia), which previously lacked a Māori worldview perspective.

"For the past 20 years, addressing Māori cultural inequities in research and clinical work has underpinned all of my efforts," Dr Dudley says.

“It is crucial that Māori values and beliefs are represented in this rapidly emerging area of brain health to safeguard the mana and well-being of our people now and in generations to come.”

Dr Dudley is the deputy director (Māori) of the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research and her contributions to neuroscience, particularly in highlighting and addressing the cultural inequities faced by Māori in neuropsychological research and clinical practices, have been influential. Her work advances the understanding of mate wareware, or dementia, within Māori communities and also emphasises the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into scientific research.

Recently she was a leading contributor in setting up a pilot marae-based clinic in Northland to support Māori families caring for those with dementiamate wareware. The results have been so successful, the pilot has been extended indefinitely.

The UNESCO meeting will provide a platform for Dr Dudley to share her insights and collaborate with the other international experts, as well as contribute to the global dialogue on ethical practices in neurotechnology.

The goal for the draft text that results aims to cover such areas as human dignity, mental privacy, accessibility and social justice.

"The convergence of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence presents new and challenging implications for ethical and human rights," Dr Dudley says.

"However, the lack of responsible governance oversight increases the risk of corruption and other unethical practices."

"I am looking forward to meeting and collaborating with representatives from all the major regions of the world to draft recommendations for ethical considerations that safeguard all people, in this rapidly growing field."