Multiple ethnic, gender, racial, and sexual minority groups are at an increased risk for brain and mental health conditions as a result of interpersonal and systemic violence. Moreover, their underrepresentation in brain and mental health research could result to interventions, policies, and programs that are not tailored to their bodies, needs, and preferences. These lead to epistemic and structural injustices. These conditions are further aggravated by socio-economic, demographic, and geographic factors that make it more difficult for them to equitably partake in research; access adequate care and support; and be part of the scientific, medical, and health workforce.
Taking into account the intersectional nature of oppression and disadvantage, this project aims to develop neuroethics frameworks for brain and mental health practice, promotion, and research. It draws from extant discourses in anti-racism, queer theory, and intersectionality to re-imagine a justice-oriented neuroethics. In addition to promoting the autonomy of people with brain and mental health conditions and advocating for safe and effective neurotechnologies, it contributes to a neuroethics that foregrounds social justice in its examination of neuroscience, psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, psychology, and public health research and practice.
The Australian Research Council-funded phase of this project focuses on representation of racial/ethnic minorities in Australian brain and mental health research. It involves auditing representation of minorities in Australian brain and mental health publications and conducting surveys, interviews, and workshops with scientists and other stakeholders to determine institutional barriers to the inclusion of and engagement with minorities in research. In addition to contributing to the neuroethics framework, this phase of the project will generate valuable data on the state of Australian brain and mental health research and on the perspectives of researchers on racial equity and diversity.
The second and succeeding phases of this project aim to examine the inclusion of sexual/gender minorities and people with multiple minoritised identities in research. They will also investigate how medical and psycho-social interventions and health promotion programs account for the distinct needs of people with various intersectional identities. Initial scoping reviews are being conducted alongside the initial phase to set the stage for follow-up projects.
Overall, this research aims to improve brain and mental healthcare and research in Australia, and beyond. It also advances the conceptualisation and actualisation of justice in neuroethics and bioethics, helping develop a pragmatic and translational approach that realises health equity for the most underrepresented, disadvantaged, and marginalised populations.