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Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies

ESDiT is a 10-year long international research programme of 7 academic institutions. We work on breakthrough research at the intersections of ethics, philosophy, technology, engineering and social sciences.

What We DoWho We Are

Our 3 Focal Points

New digital technologies

robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, social media, and quantum computing

Bio- and brain technologies

gene editing, gene drives, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, advanced medical and food technologies, and technologies for human enhancement

Environmental & sustainable technologies

energy technologies, water technologies, recycling and other technologies for the circular economy, climate engineering, and bio-based and low-carbon technologies

Collaboration &
Knowledge exchange

The ESDiT programme is open to collaboration with other academic researchers, technology developers, policy makers & civil society organizations. We share relevant information and research results with media, education  & general public stakeholders.

ESDiT Research Lines

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

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Our Latest Publications

The latest publications by ESDiT researchers:

The distinction between generic and specific concepts and why it matters for conceptual engineering

van de Poel, Ibo

The distinction between generic and specific concepts and why it matters for conceptual engineering Journal Article

In: Inquiry, 2025.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

The Metaverse: A Critical Assessment

Brey, Philip

The Metaverse: A Critical Assessment Book

Springer, 2025.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Latest News & Media appearances

News from the ESDIT programme + media appearances by our researchers:

Stevin Prize for philosopher Ingrid Robeyns

Stevin Prize for philosopher Ingrid Robeyns

Women’s health and commercial health technologies – ESDIT researcher Naomi Jacobs in the Washington Post

Women’s health and commercial health technologies – ESDIT researcher Naomi Jacobs in the Washington Post

Postdoctoral Researcher Buddhist Ethics for a Systemic Answer to the Attention Economy Vacancy – Closed –

Postdoctoral Researcher Buddhist Ethics for a Systemic Answer to the Attention Economy Vacancy – Closed –

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The ESDIT podcast

Interviews with, and by, scholars affiliated with the research consortium Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies. The ESDiT podcast showcases ongoing research of various junior and senior scholars active in contemporary technology ethics.

Our Next Event

We regularly organize academic events and events with stakeholders, such as:

Synthesis Workshop on Theories and Methods of Justification

Date: November 6, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Utrecht University, Janskerkhof 15A, Room 101
Academic event | Internal ESDIT event
ESDIT logo

The ESDiT Synthesis Workshop on Theories and Methods of Justification is only accessible for ESDiT Fellows.