Nita
Nita Farahany, PhD, JD

SLAPLAB

Designed to bring science to bear on questions of law and policy. How to Apply Info Session

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 the law and policymaking, with a particular emphasis on the 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 occasional 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

  • Use and Public Attitudes Toward Consumer Neuroscience Devices
  • Empirical Use of Neuroscience in Law
  • Privacy and Public Attitudes About Emerging Technologies
  • 3D Printing and Intellectual Property Law

Requirements of Lab Members

  • Available for weekly meetings for the 2017-2018 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

 

To Apply to Join SLAP Lab as a researcher for the 2017-2018 academic year:

Membership in the lab is highly selective. Approximately 10-12 applicants are selected annually, from a wide pool of excellent applicants. Students may apply in multiple years and/or as lab positions become available throughout the year.

  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 29, 2017, with priority given to applications submitted by September 8, 2017. Email beatrice.capestany@duke.edu with subject “2017-2018 SLAP Lab Application.”
  • Send cover letter, one paragraph statement of interest, and resume (include GPA and unofficial undergraduate or graduate transcript)
  • 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)

Join us on August 31st at 4:30pm for an information session to learn more about research opportunities in the SLAP Lab.

Info Session