Research & Transfer

AI-Powered Neural Implants and the Protection of Patient Autonomy

Maximilian Kiener & Thomas Douglas

Biomedical technologies are not solely impacting our physical bodies anymore; they are increasingly exerting a profound influence on our mental processes as well. This is particularly evident in the rapidly growing field of brain implants. These devices, which bridge the biological and digital realms, hold the potential to treat neurodegenerative conditions, boost cognitive abilities, and incorporate AI-enhanced functions directly into our neural structure. Contemporary neural implants might extend beyond therapeutic uses, paving the way for a future where augmented cognition allows our brains to effortlessly interface with digital data. Nonetheless, there’s escalating concern regarding the implications these advancements might have on an individual’s autonomy, sense of self, and identity.

For Ethics in Practice (6^th Edition), ed. by Hugh LaFollette

(Feb 2024)

The research topics of TU Hamburg are bundled in five interdisciplinary research fields.
Within these research fields, further substructures support a lively and differentiated research environment.

Knowledge and technology transfer have been central at TU Hamburg since its foundation. TUHH founded the first transfer company in Germany, Tutech Innovation GmbH (www.tutech.de), as early as 1992. Tutech supports scientists in topics such as contract research and intellectual property rights, and it advises on the acquisition of funding, e.g. in the area of the European Union.

At the TU Hamburg, founders are supported and accompanied not only by Tutech but also by the TU's own startup network Startup Port@TUHH (www.tuhh.de/startupport).

The results and processes of university research are also measured by their influence on the economy and society.

This section presents research topics of particular relevance to society, fields of activity, events as well as TUHH projects and cooperations with industrial partners.

The TUHH aims to offer its early career researchers an ideal environment in which they can develop into outstanding, independent scientists with an eye for the challenges facing society. In the form of an umbrella organization, the Graduate Academy for Technology and Innovation serves as a central point of contact for doctoral students and postdocs.

Research funding plays a central role in academic life and enables universities to expand and strengthen their research activities in various areas. By attracting third-party funding from public and private sources, universities can finance innovative research projects, acquire new equipment and resources and support talented young researchers.