Daniel Burger | Ectopic Cognitive Preservation: A Step Towards Substrate-Independent Minds
Foresight Institute’s Neurotech Group
Ectopic Cognitive Preservation: A Step Towards Substrate-Independent Minds
Abstract: A key challenge in neuroscience is preserving cognitive function against neurodegeneration and ageing. My research investigates a potential solution involving progressive replacement of brain tissue with advanced neural grafts, drawing on principles of cortical plasticity. This work has the long-term aim of achieving ectopic cognitive preservation and potentially enabling substrate-independent minds through reverse engineering of neural processes. A proof of concept involving a lab-grown human brain in a virtual environment demonstrates the promise of this approach. Current efforts focus on in vitro models to refine the technology, aiming to overcome the limitations of the human brain.
Short Bio: Neuroengineer Daniel Burger leads Eightsix Science, where he's developing augmented progressive brain replacement to fight against neurodegeneration and ageing. With a background in wetware computing and brain-computer interfaces, he aims to achieve ectopic cognitive preservation, an approach to sustain cognition outside its original biological context — and ultimately sees death as an engineering challenge to be solved.
This seminar is part of Foresight's Neurotech Seminar Series. To join future seminars in this program please apply here.
A group of neuroscience researchers, entrepreneurs, and allies advancing beneficial short-term and long-term neurotechnology applications.
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