News
Here you will find announcements about events, as well as information on the most important new publications and current job openings. You can find Professor Spranger’s general list of publications here.
The renaissance of neurolaw - basic conditions for successful human rights protection
Just published in the next issue of JELT! In my article, I address a central challenge facing neurolaw: At present, it appears that international organizations and intergovernmental actors are practically competing with one another to emphasize the human rights implications of neuroscientific technologies. But in legal practice, the question arises as to what these guarantees are actually worth. I am pleased to present my critical remarks on this topic in the next issue of JELT.
New Handbook on Cemetery and Funeral Law
Essay on the Turning Point in Cemetery and Funeral Law
Prof. Spranger has published an article titled "Zeitenwende im Friedhofs- und Bestattungsrecht" in the current issue of the Journal Zeitschrift für Rechtspolitik (ZRP, 8/2025, pp. 259–260).
New scholarly article on constitutional and EU law issues related to species protection and animal welfare
A new article by Prof. Spranger titled "Verfassungs- und unionsrechtliche Vorgaben für die Kollision von Arten- und Tierschutzrecht" has been published in the latest issue of the journal Natur und Recht.
The article is freely accessible and can be viewed here.
Please note the Creative Commons license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.de
Attendance at the Parliamentary Evening
Professor Spranger participated in the Parliamentary Evening held on November 3 at the German Parliamentary Society in Berlin, which focused on the topic of “Preventing Cruel Breeding Practices.” This important issue concerns the effective implementation of Section 11b of the German Animal Welfare Act—which is currently lacking. Numerous representatives from politics, business, and associations discussed various aspects of the issue and agreed that urgent action is needed in this area.
UNODC/INTERPOL-Background Paper „Neurotechnology, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice“
Prof. Spranger contributed to the consultation on the UNODC/INTERPOL background study titled “Neurotechnology, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice,” focusing in particular on legal gray areas, ethical issues, and the state’s obligation to protect human rightsIndigenous people in international law: Developments and perspectives
In the chapter „Indigenous people in International Law: Developments and Perspectives“ of Volume 8 of the series Developments in Neuroethics and Bioethics, Prof. Dr. Dr. Spranger and Joana Günther examine the insufficient consideration of indigenous peoples in international law to date. In light of the planned UNESCO declaration on the ethics of neurotechnology, they take a nuanced look at future developments and opportunities to better integrate indigenous perspectives into international frameworks.
Künstliche Intelligenz in der Radiologie: Von der experimentellen Phase zur produktiven Anwendung
In our article in Deutsches Ärzteblatt „Künstliche Intelligenz in der Radiologie: Von der experimentellen Phase zur produktiven Anwendung“ Prof. Dr. Dr. Spranger, Joana Günther, and others provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI-based medical devices in radiology.
A must-read article on the further development and integration of AI technologies in healthcare.
CHANGER Central European Workshop in Bonn
On May 22 and 23, 2025, an interdisciplinary pilot workshop took place in Bonn as part of the EU-funded CHANGER project. The aim of the workshop was to test new methodological approaches for integrating ethical considerations into project design and implementation.
The focus was on strengthening the capabilities of research ethics committees in addressing the ethical challenges posed by new technologies and innovative research practices. Following a presentation of the methods developed, the participants worked in small groups on possible implementation scenarios.
Participation in the final conference of the FRAIM collaborative project
On May 20 and 21, 2025, Prof. Dr. Dr. Spranger and Joana Günther attended the closing conference of the FRAIM – Jenseits reiner Performanz: Ein ethischer Rahmen für die Nutzung von KI in der Neuromedizin. The event took place at the University Forum in Bonn.
The conference focused on current developments and challenges in the field of artificial intelligence in neuromedicine. In addition to engaging project presentations, expert lectures—including those by Prof. Dr. Markus Wenzel and Prof. Dr. Karolin Kappler—provided valuable insights into various aspects of the topic.
AniMotion-Workshop
As part of the AniMotion project, an interdisciplinary workshop was held in Hanover on March 28, 2025, during which Elina Gläsersohn presented the findings to date from the project’s legal component. The focus was on the handling of vague legal terms within the context of the approval process for animal testing and the associated challenges with regard to regulatory practice.
Appointment to the new Specialized Ethics Committee and Support for Pharmaceutical Research
Researchers from the University of Bonn have been appointed to the newly established Specialized Ethics Committee for Special Procedures, which is based at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The committee will begin its work on July 1, 2025, and will evaluate clinical trials with particularly complex requirements, including first-in-human studies and trials of novel drugs.
The appointees include experts in the fields of bioethics, medical law, rheumatology, oncology, and clinical pharmacology. The commission is tasked with making drug research in Germany more efficient while ensuring high ethical standards and the protection of study participants. Scholars such as Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath and Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade M. Spranger emphasize the importance of close collaboration with existing ethics committees in order to establish uniform evaluation criteria. You can find more information here.
CHANGER Cafés
27.03.2025
We invite you to join us! Please feel free to participate in the webinar.
The CHANGER Cafés are regular informational webinars lasting 30 to 60 minutes that provide valuable insights into the research methods and practices related to new technologies. The webinars are designed to both impart knowledge and provide professional development, offering participants a concise yet comprehensive learning experience. Each session will be recorded and posted on the website.
The first session of the CHANGER Cafés will take place on March 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. This webinar is specifically aimed at individuals involved in conducting, reviewing, or academically examining studies in which research participants are deceived. Kamiel Verbeke, a doctoral candidate at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law at KU Leuven, will discuss the ethical aspects of this research method. Verbeke will explain how deception is used in practice, what ethical challenges are associated with it, and what role guidelines and ethics committees play in reviewing such studies. Further information can be found here.
You can join the webinar via the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4dTi86PYSHKKhSYxrH2WpA
ENTRANCE Regional Conference, Bonn, February 20–21, 2025
21.02.2025
On Friday, February 21, 2025, Prof. Spranger gave a presentation at the ENTRANCE Regional Conference at the Digital Hub Bonn on the handling of patient data in medical collaborations with regard to regulation under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Regulation), and the European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS Regulation).
Sustainability Science Summit 2025
As part of the "Sustainability Science Summit 2025," Prof. Spranger participated as a speaker on the panel "Just Bio? Intergenerational Justice, Biodiversity Loss, and the Sustainable Bioeconomy Transition" on February 20, 2025. The conference was organized by the German Committee for Sustainability Research within Future Earth.
Block Seminar ReAniMed
13.02.2025
From February 13 to 15, 2025, Prof. Spranger, together with Prof. Verrel and Prof. Raupach, organized the ReAniMed block seminar titled "Mit einem Bein im Knast - Rechtliche Ängste in der Medizin" featuring expert presentations followed by a moot court session in the Old Anatomy Building.
Appointment to the Federal Ethics Commission
Prof. Spranger has been appointed by the Federal Ministry of Health to the Specialized Ethics Committee for Special Procedures, newly established under Section 41c of the German Medicines Act (AMG), effective July 1, 2025. This Federal Ethics Commission will be responsible, among other things, for clinical trials involving novel therapies, first-time use in humans, and special emergency situations, and will therefore focus on evaluating particularly challenging procedures and innovative new therapies. The commission will be established within the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, where its administrative office will also be located. The members of the commission are independent and serve in an honorary capacity.
Presentation at the VFD in Essen
06.02.2025
On February 6, 2025, Prof. Spranger gave a lecture at the VFD in Essen on current case law and legislation in the field of cemetery management.
Dies academicus: Between Cage and Basket – The Use of Pets as Laboratory Animals
Lecture on December 4, 2024, in Lecture Hall III of the Main Building
In her interactive lecture titled “Between Cage and Basket: The Use of Companion Animals as Laboratory Animals,” Barbara Maria Hasenau addressed animal experimentation from a legal perspective. The primary point of reference was Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. The lecture began by asking what animal experimentation actually is. Based on the legal definition of animal experimentation or the “procedure” as defined in Article 3(1) of Directive 2010/63/EU, the purpose of animal experimentation and the selection of laboratory animals were presented. A key aspect here was the joint exploration of the distinction between “laboratory animals” and “companion animals,” as well as a presentation of the legislature’s stance on the use of companion animal species in research. The audience was invited to participate in the presentation through an interactive format using an internet-based tool (Mentimeter) and to anonymously share their own views on the two topics (purpose of animal testing/selection of laboratory animals).
Conference of the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Neurology (DGPPN)
Prof. Spranger and Joana Günther attended the DGPPN conference in Berlin from November 27, 2024, to November 28, 2024. During the conference, Prof. Spranger gave a presentation on the topic “Legal Issues in the Context of AI-Based Applications in Clinical Neuroscience.”
Neurotechnology: No Longer Just Science Fiction
27.09.2024
Prof. Spranger has published a guest article on neurotechnology on beck-aktuell, in which he discusses the legal challenges and current developments in Germany. You can read the full article here.
Speyer Conference on Cemetery and Funeral Law
Prof. Spranger gave a presentation on current case law in cemetery and funeral law at the 16th Speyer Conference on Cemetery and Funeral Law, held from September 12 to 13.
Fees for Renewed Licenses for Business Operators?
Prof. Spranger has published an article titled "Gebühren für wiederholte Zulassungen Gewerbetreibender?" in the latest issue of the journal Friedhofskultur.
Department Field Trip to Drachenfels
On Friday, August 23, 2024, the department organized a group hike to the Drachenfels.
From left to right: Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade M. Spranger, Anna Hemmer, Julia Hansmann, Joana Günther, Jona Heinz, Sophia Blömeke, Barbara Maria Hasenau, Carolin Fischer.
Kolloquium Research with dual use potential: Current status – regulatory framework – future developments with Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade M. Spranger
20.08.2024
On August 20, 2024, Prof. Spranger gave a lecture at the Jülich Research Centre on the topic “Research with dual-use potential: Current status – regulatory framework – future developments”
FRAIM Midterm Conference
On June 17–18, 2024, Prof. Spranger and Joana Günther attended the midterm conference of the “FRAIM” project on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence in Neuroradiology.”
Participation in the UNESCO expert discussion on the Declaration on Neuroethics
On May 17, 2024, Prof. Spranger participated in an expert discussion regarding UNESCO’s planned declaration on neuroethics at the invitation of the UNESCO Commission.
AI regulation and the world of medicine - an overview
16.05.2024
On May 16, 2024, Prof. Spranger gave a lecture titled “AI Regulation and the World of Medicine—An Overview” at the Jülich Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, for the Brain and Behavior research group (INM-7).
“What Kind of Biodiversity Should We Protect? An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Nature Conservation”
Lecture and Panel Discussion on Dies Academicus, May 15, 2024
As part of the Dies Academicus on May 15, 2024, Prof. Dr. Tade Spranger, together with Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath and Dr. Marius Bartmann (German Reference Center for Ethics in the Life Sciences, DRZE), Prof. Dr. Sandra Venghaus (Institute of Energy and Climate Research, IEK, Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Prof. Dr. Maximilian Weigend (Bonn Institute for Organismic Biology, BIOB) delivered a lecture followed by a panel discussion. The event addressed the topic “What diversity should we protect? An interdisciplinary perspective on nature conservation.” The Anthropocene marks an epoch in which human activities dominate the planet and lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity, particularly due to anthropogenic climate change. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem services that ensure our survival. Nevertheless, concrete conservation measures face challenges, as these can vary depending on one’s understanding of nature. In light of climate change, however, it is often impossible to restore past states of biodiversity, and even the protection of existing nature requires human intervention. The question of how nature should be shaped to also serve future generations is therefore crucial. Consequently, it must be discussed which forms of biodiversity conservation are appropriate. The lecture explored the relationship between nature conservation and its ethical implications, as well as potential legal regulatory measures and bioeconomic strategies for changing existing resource-use practices.
“Vatican Permits the Distribution of Ashes”
11.04.2024
Prof. Spranger has published an article in the journal Friedhofskultur on the new decision by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding the division of cremated remains.
"Harmful uses of patentable neurotechnology: a new regulatory approach: Proposing a framework safeguarding human rights and social responsibility for patented applications of neuroscience"
Prof. Spranger, along with several other authors, has published an article in the journal EMBO Reports on a new approach to regulating the negative use of patents. The article outlines a new regulatory framework designed to emphasize the protection of fundamental rights and ethical considerations in the patenting process.
ELSA Symposium “Animal Welfare and Stem Cell Use”
On March 12, 2024, Prof. Spranger delivered a presentation titled “Animal Welfare Law and the Stem Cell Act—Guidelines or a Straitjacket for Research?” at the ELSA symposium “Animal Welfare and Stem Cell Use” in Düsseldorf.
DGKN Congress
07.03.2024
On March 7, 2024, Prof. Spranger delivered a presentation titled “Legal Issues in the Context of AI-Based Applications in Clinical Neuroscience” at the DGKN Annual Congress in Frankfurt am Main, which was held under the overarching theme “Toward Personalized Medicine.”
INPI Conference: “Brain Patents: A Legal and Societal Challenge?”
29.02.2024
On February 29, 2024, Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade Spranger and Prof. Dr. Judy Illes (UBC) organized the conference “Brain patents: A legal and societal challenge?” as part of the externally funded INPI project. The conference, which featured presentations by Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath, Prof. Dr. Zelma Kiss, Dr. Marvin Bartels, and Ari Rotenberg, explored the interplay between patent law and human rights with a particular focus on neuroscience patents and was a resounding success. The subsequent discussions with the participants were very fruitful and provided ample inspiration for further publications.
Event: "Brain patents: A legal and societal challenge?"
29.02.2024
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m., Prof. Dr. Judy Illes of the University of British Columbia and Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade Spranger of the University of Bonn will host a conference at the AMERON Hotel Königshof in Bonn on the topic "Brain patents: A legal and societal challenge?". As part of a research project, the conference will examine the interplay between patent law and human rights, with a particular focus on neuroscience patents. The conference will center on the question of to what extent patent law can be used to facilitate an appropriate response to human rights-related societal challenges that may arise from neuroscientific inventions. Speakers will include Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath, Prof. Dr. Zelma Kiss, Dr. Marvin Bartels, and Ari Rotenberg. The event will conclude around 3:45 p.m.
Due to limited seating, please register at mitarbeiter.spranger@jura.uni-bonn.de. Participation in the conference is free of charge.
Status Report "Die Generierung von künstlichen Keimzellen"
18.12.2023
The status report "Die Generierung von künstlichen Keimzellen" has been published. It provides an overview of this highly topical field at the intersection of biomedical research, legal classification, and ethical assessment. Prof. Spranger and Prof. Gassner explain the legal aspects.
Ethics Forum: “Biodiversity in the Anthropocene: Managing or Shaping Nature?”
16.10.2023
On October 16, 2023, the DRZE hosted an interdisciplinary symposium as part of the BMBF-funded collaborative project PRACC: Practical Challenges of Climate Change, in which Prof. Dr. Dr. Spranger participated as a project partner.
“On the European Court of Justice's New Established Case Law in European Genetic Engineering Law”
29.09.2023
Prof. Spranger has published an article in the Europäische Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsrecht on the European Court of Justice’s new established case law in European genetic engineering law, which, among other things, discusses the landmark ECJ judgment of February 7, 2023—ECJ Case No. C68821 C-688/2.
“Accelerated decomposition”
25.09.2023
Prof. Spranger has commented in Der Spiegel on a new form of burial. You can find the full article here.
"Intertemporaler Biodiversitätsschutz?"
18.09.2023
Prof. Spranger has published an article in the Journal Zeitschrift für Europäisches Planungs- und Umweltrecht on the interplay between the Federal Constitutional Court’s climate-related case law and species extinction and biodiversity loss.
Ethics Forum on October 16, 2023
16.10.2023
On October 16, 2023, the Ethics Forum on the topic “Biodiversity in the Anthropocene: Managing or Shaping Nature?” will take place at the University Club Bonn as part of the PRACC project. For more information, please visit the DRZE website.
Interview on the topic of nudging
14.08.2023
Prof. Spranger gave an interview to the magazine ernährung heute on the topic of nudging, in which he shared his views on how far the government should be allowed to go in influencing individual behavior.
Participation in the International Neuroethics Patent Initiative Workshop at the Maury Young Arts Centre
As part of the INPI (Neuroethics Patent Initiative) project, Professor Spranger and student assistants Anna Hemmer and Julia Hansmann traveled to Canada to participate in a workshop at the Maury Young Arts Centre and deliver presentations to an international audience on the topics “IP and human rights: looking ahead—building bridges for the international landscape” and “Morality and human rights in neuroscience and law.”
Statement on the Positive List for Companion Animals
17.06.2023
On June 17, 2023, Prof. Spranger presented an expert opinion on the legal admissibility of introducing a national positive list for companion animals at the association’s delegates’ meeting, commissioned by the Central Association of Zoological Businesses (ZZF). According to Prof. Spranger, the introduction of a national positive list for companion animals, as recently proposed by Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir, would comprehensively violate various provisions of international, European, and constitutional law.
Participation in the 7th Status Seminar of the ELSA Priority Area at the BMBF
21.06.2023
As part of an elevator pitch at the 7th status seminar of the ELSA funding priority at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Professor Spranger’s following projects were presented during a poster session:
1. INPI - International Neuroethics Patent Initiative
Click here to view the INPI poster
2. AniMotion - Selection Criteria in Ethical and Legal Perspective
Click here to view the AniMotion poster
3. PRACC - Practical Challenges of Climate Change
Click here to view the PRACC poster
Redeker Doctoral Award 2023
We are delighted to congratulate our former doctoral student, Alena Jerrentrup, on receiving this year’s Redeker Doctoral Award for her outstanding dissertation titled "Kinder als 'Ersatzteillieferanten' im rechtlichen Kontext: Von der Nabelschnurblutspende zur Selektion von Retterkindern"!
Deutsche Post Marathon Bonn 2023
23.04.2023
Staff members Sophia Blömeke, Rike Hans, Barbara Maria Hasenau, and Prof. Spranger competed as the “LaufdurchsetzungsVO” team on behalf of the department in the 2023 Deutsche Post Relay Marathon in Bonn and secured a spot among the 50 fastest teams out of a total of 249 relay teams.
SRH Distance Learning University Sustainability Conference
22.04.2023
On April 22, 2023, Prof. Spranger delivered a lecture in Heidelberg on the topic of “Climate Protection Law” in light of the Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Climate Protection Act of March 24, 2021, at the SRH Fernhochschule Sustainability Congress.
36th German Food Day
22.03.-24.03.2023
As part of the 36th German Food Conference, Prof. Spranger gave a presentation on the topic “Reformulation, Taxes & More: Government Incentives and Regulation for ‘Healthy’ Foods.”
Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Medical Ethics
14.03.2023
Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade M. Spranger is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal Zeitschrift für medizinische Ethik (ZfmE).
The Journal Zeitschrift für medizinische Ethik aims to discuss the fundamental questions and current developments in medical ethics from an interdisciplinary perspective and, in particular, to contribute the insights of Christian ethics and the foundational anthropological perspectives of the Western tradition to the increasingly complex debate on medical ethics. In keeping with the journal’s subtitle, medical-ethical questions are to be addressed from a comprehensive perspective encompassing science, culture, and religion.
"Brain Patents as a Legal or Societal Challenge?"
Professor Spranger has published an article in the journal “IIC - International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law” as part of the INPI project.
Event: ERA-NET NEURON Midterm Symposium in Madrid
On January 18–19, 2023, Prof. Tade M. Spranger and Prof. Judy Illes presented their joint project, the “International Neuroethics Patent Initiative (INPI),” at the ERA-NET NEURON Midterm Symposium in Madrid.
Klicken Sie hier, um einen Text einzugeben.
“A lot of what's here is utterly irreverent”
Professor Spranger gave an interview to the Bonner General-Anzeiger on the topic of "Grabsteine aus verbotener Kinderarbeit" titled "Vieles hier ist maximal pietätslos". You can find the full interview here.
Symposium: “Tombstones Made with Child Labor – Implementing ILO Convention No. 182 in German Cemeteries”
On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, starting at 9:00 a.m., Professor Spranger will host a symposium at the University Club of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität titled „Grabsteine aus Kindearbeit – zur Umsetzung des ILO-Übereinkommen Nr. 182 auf deutsche Friedhöfen“, which marks the conclusion of a research project examining the prohibition of problematic materials in German state cemetery laws. Experts from politics, academia, and the field will examine the topic from various perspectives. The event will conclude with a closing panel at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Registration is available via email at mitarbeiter.spranger@jura.uni-bonn.de until November 17, 2022.
Guest Lecture at Hannover Medical School
On August 25, 2022, Prof. Spranger gave a guest lecture titled "Rätsel der Ethikkomissionen" at Hannover Medical School.
Presentation as part of the dialogue event “Stem Cell Technology at the Threshold of Translation” organized by the Stem Cell Network NRW
On March 31, 2022, Prof. Spranger gave a presentation on the topic “The Nikolaus Decision and the Translation Ban in the Stem Cell Act” and engaged in a lively exchange with the other speakers and participants regarding the current challenges of the German Stem Cell Act and, in particular, the need for its reform. You can find the detailed follow-up report from the Stem Cell Network NRW on this successful event here.
Event: 14th World Conference on Bioethics, Medical Ethics & Health Law
From March 7, 2022, to March 10, 2022, Prof. Tade Spranger participated in the 14th World Conference on Bioethics, Medical Ethics & Health Law as part of the externally funded INPI project, together with two colleagues from Bonn and a colleague from the Canadian subproject. In addition to attending other specialist presentations, particularly in the fields of medicine, bioethics, and medical law, the project’s initial research findings were presented to the expert audience through presentations by Prof. Spranger (topic: “Brain Patents in the Legal Landscape”) and Ashley Lawson (topic: “The Challenge of Open Science to Brain Patents and Intellectual Property Protection”).
From left to right: Rebecca Straub, Marisa Groß, Ashley Lawson, and Tade Spranger at the 14th World Conference on Bioethics, Medical Ethics & Health Law.
Event: 14th World Conference on Bioethics, Medical Ethics and Health Law
As part of the externally funded project “INPI – International Neuroethics Patent Initiative,” Professor Spranger will deliver a presentation titled “Brain Patents in the Legal Landscape” at the conference taking place in Porto on March 7, 2022, which will address legal issues surrounding patents in the field of neuroscience.
Event: “On the Threshold of Translational Research in Stem Cell Therapy” – a dialogue event organized by the Stem Cell Network NRW
On March 31, 2022, Prof. Dr. Tade Spranger delivered a lecture titled “The Nikolaus Decision and the StZG’s Ban on Translation” at the dialogue event organized by the Stem Cell Network NRW in Düsseldorf.
Further details about the dialogue event and the registration platform can be found here on the Stem Cell Network NRW website.
Event: 10th Symposium of the FUNUS Foundation
On May 12, 2022, Professor Spranger and Charlotte Noack will deliver presentations on the topics “Still There? Dealing with Wax Corpse Replicas” and “Where Is the Responsibility? Tombstones Made with Child Labor” at the 10th Symposium of the FUNUS Foundation, titled “What Remains?”, at the Center for the Culture of Finitude in Kabelsketal. Further details can be found on the foundation’s website.