Dr. Judy Illes

Biography

Judy Illes is a professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of British Columbia, where she also holds a Canada Research Chair in Neuroethics. As the Director of Neuroethics Canada and a faculty member at the Centre for Brain Health, she has established herself as a pioneer in the field of neuroethics since its formal inception in the early 2000s. Her research, teaching, and outreach efforts concentrate on the ethical, legal, and social policy challenges at the intersection of brain sciences and biomedical ethics. Dr. Illes has made significant contributions to neuroethical thinking and has been actively involved in discussions concerning neurologic and mental health issues, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on vulnerable populations. In addition to her primary appointment at UBC, she has associate roles in the Department of Population and Public Health and in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. She has been recognized for her work, being elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 2012 and appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in December 2017. Dr. Illes has authored books and publications, addressing neuroethical issues including pain management, global mental health, and legal concerns related to brain research.

Research Interests