Our Vision
“With OWNS, we want to equip the next generation of neuroethicists with the practical skills required to tackle new and emerging challenges in this dynamic field.
Alongside closing a global gap in higher education, we also wish to provide an unforgettable learning experience and establish lasting networks for the future!”
Dr David Lyreskog, Director of the Oxford Winter Neuroethics School
Our Vision in Action
“The Oxford Winter Neuroethics School reshaped how I approach my work as both a scientist and a human being. It fostered a shared practice of neuroethics, linking rigorous scholarship with collective reflection on how ethical dilemmas unfold in real research and policy settings, and strengthening the capacity to frame more responsible questions grounded in the evolving cultural, societal, and technological contexts.”
2025/26 OWNS Participant
Explore more testimonials.
Organisational Team
Dr David Lyreskog
Director
David is a Neuroethics researcher in the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) team at Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry.
Dr Kathryn Francis
Deputy Director
Kathryn is a Senior Researcher with the Neuroscience, Ethics & Society (NEUROSEC) team in the Department of Psychiatry and a Senior Researcher in the Uehiro Oxford Institute. She is the Co-Director of the Design Bioethics Lab.
Prof. Ilina Singh
Senior Academic Advisor
Ilina is Professor of Neuroscience and Society at the University of Oxford and the NEUROSEC team’s lead. She is a research fellow at NIHR.
Dr Michael Wee
Academic Advisor
Michael is a Researcher at the Ethox Centre at the University of Oxford.
Dr Lucienne Spencer
Inclusive Practice and Pastoral Support Lead
Lucienne is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mental Health Ethics located within the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) Team in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford.
Dr Alex McKeown
Industry Advisor
Alex is a bioethicist and philosopher by training, with specialisms including data ethics, ethics in machine learning and AI.
Explore our previous Industry Panel here.
Dr Madeline G. Reinecke
Industry & Career Development Lead
Madeline is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Collective Moral Development within the Psychiatry Department (NEUROSEC) and the Uehiro Oxford Institute (Philosophical Moral Psychology Lab).
Shira Abramowitz
Alumni Engagement Liaison Lead
Shira is a co-founder and producer at Up & Up Creative, where she designs events and programs that increase our capacity for complexity, compassion, honesty, and action. Shira participated in the pilot cohort of the Oxford Winter Neuroethics School in 2026.
Georgie Kenny
Communications &
Events Officer
Georgie is the Communications & Events Officer for the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) research group.
Kai Linder
Research Coordinator
Kai is the Research Administrator for the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) research group.
Course Elements
OWNS is a hybrid course, with five online modules followed by an in-person Learning Accelerator in Oxford, culminating in a Best Research Proposal competition.
Online Modules
Interactive sessions taught live by established and emerging neuroethicists at Oxford University and their research partners.
- Identify and analyse central problems in Neuroethics, arising both in a clinical context and in wider society
- Guided exercises in applying key theoretical and practical research methods to real-world neuroethical issues
- Design your own research proposal in Neuroethics and receive one-to-one feedback from an OWNS lecturer
Learning Accelerator
In-person, residential course at an Oxford University college
- Presentations of research proposals to peers and lecturers, with opportunities for feedback
- Meet researchers and industry professionals to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations
- Reflect on pressing neuroethical questions in a conducive, collegiate learning environment
Award
An initiative designed to enable researchers to kickstart their project
- Best Research Proposal Award announced at the end of Learning Accelerator
- Top ranked proposals eligible to compete for an exclusive prize of up to £3,000
- Certificate of participation from Oxford University for all who fulfil course requirements
Course Fees
We are currently evaluating our fees for 2027-8. Keep an eye on this page for updates.
Apply to OWNS 2026-7
Applications are now open!
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© 2024 Oxford Winter Neuroethics School
