Judy Illes, C.M., FCAHS, FRSC

Dr. Illes is Professor of Neurology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), UBC Distinguished University Scholar in Neuroethics, and Director of Neuroethics Canada. She also has faculty appointments in the Centre for Brain Health, the School of Population and Public Health, and the School of Journalism at UBC. Dr. Illes received her PhD in Hearing and Speech Sciences, and in Neuropsychology, at Stanford University.

Dr. Illes is a pioneer in the field of neuroethics through which she has made groundbreaking contributions to cross-cultural ethical, legal, social and policy challenges at the intersection of the brain sciences and biomedical ethics. Among her many commitments, she is Chair of the International Brain Initiative and co-Lead of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR); as Director-at-Large of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences; as a member of the Ethics Law and Humanities Committee of the American Academy of Neurology; and as a member of the GESDA Task Force on neurorights. Her recent books, a series called Developments in Neuroethics and Bioethics (Elsevier Press), focus on pain, global mental health, neurotechnology, transnational laws, and neuroarchitecture. Volumes on neurodevelopment and AI in brain health are in preparation.

Dr. Illes was awarded the Order of Canada, the country’s highest recognition of its citizens, in 2017.