Introduction: Moving Brain Organoid Research Forward Collaboratively and Responsibly

Human brain organoid research is a rapidly advancing subfield of stem cell science where researchers are building realistic in vitro brain models through key bioengineering advancements. Despite its enormous potential, this form of research could raise ethical concerns around the moral status of large, complex human brain models and the ethical boundaries that should exist when manipulating increasingly realistic bioengineered constructs. The chapters in this book address issues that, together, complement a desire to see human brain organoid research proceed with scientific and ethical rigor. Responsible progress will require ongoing collaboration between scientists and non-scientists, stem cell biologists and philosophers, bioengineers and policy experts, commercial developers and regulators, and many others. A collaborative bioethics approach can help foster greater awareness, understanding, and guidance for future management of ethical issues surrounding brain organoid research.