DisrupTV Episode 327: Bioethics, Brain Science & Digital Governance
In this insightful episode of DisrupTV, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar engage with three distinguished thought leaders:
Dr. Megan Palmer – Senior Director for Public Impact at Ginkgo Bioworks & Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University
Dr. Palmer leads initiatives to ensure that biological engineering is developed with care and responsibility. She co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Synthetic Biology and has been instrumental in developing best practices and policies for the responsible development of bioengineering. Her work bridges the gap between scientific innovation and societal impact.
Dr. Divya Chander – Anesthesiologist, Neuroscientist, and Data Scientist
Dr. Chander specializes in understanding the neural networks that govern consciousness and vigilance states in the brain. Using cutting-edge technologies like optogenetics, she investigates how the brain transitions between various states, providing insights into anesthesiology and the broader field of neuroscience.
Dr. David Bray – Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center & Business Executives for National Security
Dr. Bray has held leadership roles in various turbulent environments, including bioterrorism preparedness and response. He has worked with the U.S. Navy and Marines on improving organizational adaptability and has been involved in efforts to counter disinformation online. His work focuses on the geopolitical impacts of new technologies and data.
Episode Highlights
This episode delves into critical discussions on:
- Responsible Bioengineering: Dr. Palmer emphasizes the importance of developing biotechnologies with ethical considerations to serve public interests.
- Neuroscience of Consciousness: Dr. Chander shares her research on how the brain transitions between different states of consciousness, enhancing our understanding of the human mind.
- Digital Governance: Dr. Bray discusses the challenges and strategies in governing emerging technologies and data in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Final Thoughts
Episode 327 offers a profound exploration into the intersections of technology, society, and governance. Dr. Palmer’s insights into bioethics, Dr. Chander’s groundbreaking neuroscience research, and Dr. Bray’s expertise in digital governance provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the modern technological era. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the responsible development and governance of emerging technologies.
Related Episodes
Expand your understanding with these related DisrupTV episodes:
- Episode 326 - AI-Driven Analytics, Enterprise Media & Retail Disruption
- Episode 328 - The Awareness Matrix, Trust & Wellbeing at Work
- Episode 329 - Responsible AI, Green Jobs & Digital Ecosystems

