FORNEUROTECH
- a knowledge network uniting scientists and practitioners to advance forensic neurobiology and technology. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we seek to integrate neurobiological insights with forensic practice and promote evidence-based implementation of neurotechnological interventions. -
Our Mission
The Mission statement of the FORNEUROTECH network is to create a transdisciplinary platform to bring together academics, practitioners, policy makers and other professionals to build a foundation for research, training, education and the exchange of knowledge on (neuro)technological innovations to advance forensic mental healthcare.
Members will share interest in forensic neuroscience, forensic neuropsychology, technological innovations, neurotechnologies such as EEG, neuromodulation, fNIRS and vagus nerve stimulation and other innovation such as Virtual/Augmented/Extended Reality.
Furthermore, legal-ethical matters related to the use of those innovations in a forensic mental health context will also be taken into account. This network will be a platform for members to meet and share research and evidence-based practices on (neuro)technological innovations and legal-ethical perspectives in a forensic mental health context.
Our Vision
01
To establish a framework for research, training, education, support and knowledge exchange
Knowledge Framework
02
To promote an international and transdisciplinary dialogue about (neuro)technological advances
Neurotechnological advances
03
To promote international research collaboration on the topics of forensic neuroscience, technological innovations and legal-ethical perspectives on these topics
International collaboration
04
To impact the quality of care and treatment of forensic mental health services.
Quality care & treatment
To impact science and support and create membership, leadership and research opportunities
Impact science
04
06
To produce practice guidelines and promote education and training on forensic (neuro)technology.
Producing guidelines
To advance forensic practice and technology, there is a critical need for neurobiological insights
and the translation thereof to forensic care
Scientific Background
Violence and criminal behavior remain significant societal concerns. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying aggression is crucial for improving forensic care, yet neuroscientific insights are rarely integrated into current treatment approaches. While neuroscience has advanced our understanding of psychopathology, its application in forensic mental healthcare remains underdeveloped. The rapid implementation of innovative technologies in forensic assessment and care, such as wearables, Virtual Reality (VR), and neuromodulation holds immense potential for improving assessment and treatment of individuals within the justice system. However, the currently attempted implementation of these technologies often neglects the heterogeneity in underlying neurobiological mechanisms that drive delinquent behavior. Therefore, to advance forensic practice and technology, there is a critical need for neurobiological insights and the translation thereof to forensic practice
Despite growing knowledge of neurobiological correlates—such as genetic markers, neuroimaging, and psychophysiology—translating this into practical forensic interventions remains a challenge. Neurobiological factors provide valuable insights alongside psychological and social factors in explaining individual difference in neurobiological mechanisms underlying delinquency, with growing interest in their use for assessing and treating antisocial and violent behavior. Neurobiological tools, including psychophysiological measures (e.g., heart rate monitoring, hormonal testing), have demonstrated promise, but a deeper understanding of real-time neural processes during aggressive events is needed.
Through expert collaboration, we will explore how to model real-time emotional and physiological dynamics and develop technology-driven assessments and interventions tailored to individual needs.
Technologies like Electroencephalography (EEG) provide valuable direct neural insights into brain activity, while neuromodulation has shown potential for reducing aggression in forensic populations. However, forensic care must move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions by tailoring interventions to individual neurobiological profiles.
Key elements of focus will be emotion regulation, a critical factor to measure and target within forensic populations due to its profound impact on behavior and social functioning. Stress and aggression illustrate the impact of poor emotion regulation, areas where neurotechnology offers innovation. Stress disrupts the integration of emotions and goals, with Automatic Nervous System (ANS) imbalances limiting flexible regulation. Cognitive strategies like reappraisal work in low-stress settings but struggle in high-stress contexts. Neurotechnology could enhance CNS-ANS assessments, addressing issues like hypoarousal in forensic populations, which impairs treatment engagement and wearable technology accuracy.
Aggression in forensic settings stems from neurobiological, psychological, and social factors, with growing interest in using neurobiological insights to assess and treat antisocial behavior. Psycho physiological tools (e.g., heart rate monitoring, hormonal testing) show promise, but a deeper understanding of real-time neural processes during aggression is needed. Similar behaviors can stem from vastly different neural mechanisms, making it crucial to match interventions with neuroscientific knowledge. Limited insight into real-time brain activity during stressful and aggressive events hinders treatment precision. Virtual Reality (VR) offers potential for aggression assessment and treatment by simulating triggers, but its effectiveness depends on integrating neurobiological data rather than oversimplifying aggression as purely behavioral. Advancing forensic assessment requires bridging neuroscience and intervention strategies to enhance treatment outcomes.
As highlighted previously, due to insufficient understanding what happens in real-time in the brain during aggressive events our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms is limited. Additionally, a gap exists between neuroscience and forensic practice, preventing the integration of valuable neurological insights into care. To address these gaps, this network will aim to shift from normative, behavior-based approaches toward a multimodal framework, integrating neurobiology with real-life forensic assessments. Through expert collaboration, we will explore how to model real-time emotional and physiological dynamics and develop technology-driven assessments and interventions tailored to individual needs.