Nita
Nita Farahany, PhD, JD

SLAPLAB

Designed to bring science to bear on questions of law and policy. Apply for 2018-2019 SLAPLAB Researchers

SLAPLAB (Science, Law & Policy Lab) is a vertically-integrated, interdisciplinary laboratory directed by Dr. Nita Farahany (Professor of Law & Philosophy, Director of Duke Initiative for Science & Society). SLAPLAB is designed to bring science to bear on questions of law and policy. Faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergrads work together on shared research projects and publications.

SLAPLAB is built around the broad theme of how science impacts and is impacted by law and policy. Researchers study the role of science in law and the policy making process, with a particular emphasis on emerging technology and the biosciences (genetics and neuroscience). Empirical research and laboratory research (including the use of consumer technology and devices (e.g. Google Glass, Consumer EEG devices, tDCS)) is undertaken using a collaborative model of research and publications. Lab activities include designing new research studies and engaging in ongoing research, giving presentations of works in progress, discussions of recent relevant literature, developing scholarship, multimedia, and policy for publication and dissemination, and hosting outside speakers.

SLAPLAB, Science, Law, and Policy

Lab Activities

Lab members meet once weekly for lab meetings, and on an ongoing basis for their research. Regular activities of the lab include:

  • Designing new research studies
  • Engaging in ongoing research
  • Giving presentations of works in progress
  • Discussing recent relevant literature
  • Developing scholarship, multimedia, and policy for publication
  • Occasional outside speakers

Ongoing Research Projects

  • Public attitudes toward consumer neurotechnology devices
  • Privacy of brain wearable analytics and assessment of claims
  • Empirical use of neuroscience in the criminal courtroom
  • Legal implications of illicit crimes in virtual reality
  • Emerging ethical issues in blockchain technology

Requirements of Lab Members

  • Available for weekly meetings for the 2018-2019 academic year
  • Interested in joining an existing research project or designing a new one
  • Committed to serving as a lead author or co-author on one publication per year
  • Undertaken or available to undertake responsible conduct of research (RCR) requirements
  • Researchers do not receive compensation or credit for their participation, and instead are full collaborators and authors of publications

Join SLAP Lab as a researcher for the 2018-2019 academic year:

SLAP Lab is currently looking for undergraduates, Master’s students, PhD students, JD or MD candidates, and post-docs to join the Lab for the 2018-2019 academic year. Applicants are encouraged to apply to participate for the mutual benefit of research, publication, and dissemination of work at the intersection of Science, Law, and Policy. Applicants must be willing to commit to weekly lab meetings and attend meetings on an ongoing basis for research with individual project teams. Applicants with an interest in novel, emerging technologies are encouraged to apply.

For the 2018-2019 academic year we have a handful of projects that we are excited to be working on. Below is a list, and brief description, of the projects we are aiming to complete this academic year:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: We will be exploring ethical, legal, and policy issues pertaining to explainable AI, such as the “black box” of machine learning, and transparency in the use of AI.
  • Neuroprivacy/Neuroethics: We aim to (1) investigate individual’s varying mental states through the use of consumer-based EEG devices, and (2) assess experts’ (i.e., neuroscientists) view of the privacy implications behind the collection of brain data.
  • Right to likeness: With emerging technology allowing for one’s likeness (i.e., face, voice, etc.) to be used without their permission, we are interested in seeing how individuals perceive their likeness being used in different ways.
  • Prospective Projects: Additionally, this academic year the lab will begin the collaborative process of coming up with novel and interesting research idea’s (e.g., blockchain, cryptocurrency, smart cities, etc.) in the realm of ethics, law, policy, and science.

Application Process:

Membership is highly selective. Approximately 8-10 applicants are selected annually, from a wide pool of excellent applications. Students may apply in multiple years and/or as lab positions become available throughout the year.

  • Email scienceandsociety@duke.edu by September 7th at 5 p.m. with subject “2018-2019 SLAP Lab Application“.
  • Send cover letter, one paragraph statement of interest, resume/CV (including GPA), unofficial undergraduate or graduate transcript, and a writing sample. Additionally, please provide a list ranking all of the projects in order of which you are interested in working on.
  • Identify existing or new research projects you are interested in undertaking.
  • Identify at least one external funding opportunity to build research (identify an organization, RFP, or funding organization that might be interested in furthering the research area in which you are interested).