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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

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Our Latest Publications

The latest publications by ESDiT researchers:

Overshoot and recover? On the problem of substitution between negative emissions and emissions reductions

Bourban, Michel

Overshoot and recover? On the problem of substitution between negative emissions and emissions reductions Journal Article

In: Environmental Values, pp. 1-23, 2026.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Eco-Anxiety and Ecological Citizenship

Bourban, Michel

Eco-Anxiety and Ecological Citizenship Book

1, Palgrave Macmillan Cham, 2026.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

Latest News & Media appearances

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

PhD Position Conceptual Engineering as Political Struggle – Vacancy – Closed –

PhD Position Conceptual Engineering as Political Struggle – Vacancy – Closed –

PhD Position in Ethics and/or Political Philosophy Vacancy – Closed –

PhD Position in Ethics and/or Political Philosophy Vacancy – Closed –

Dr. Bernice Bovenkerk (WUR) awarded a vici grant for the project The promise and perils of digital technology for human–animal relationships

Dr. Bernice Bovenkerk (WUR) awarded a vici grant for the project The promise and perils of digital technology for human–animal relationships

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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:

ESDiT Away Days 2026

Start date: June 4, 2026
End date: June 5, 2026
All-day event
Location: Bilderberg Europa Hotel Scheveningen, Zwolsestraat 2, 2587 VJ Den Haag
Academic event | All research lines | ESDIT event by invitation only | Internal ESDIT event
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The ESDiT Away Days are only accessible for ESDiT Fellows.