Ohio State and Michigan Scholars Launch Research Network
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law hosted a conference on Monday, October 6 that served as the inaugural event of the Ohio State-Michigan Law for Emerging Technologies Network, or OMLET. At the conference, Ohio State and University of Michigan scholars from a range of disciplines discussed past and present challenges in regulating emerging technologies that offer transformative benefits but also pose potential risks to public health. Topics discussed included lessons learned from regulating e-cigarettes in the US and internationally, challenges in the oversight of medical technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, and the promises and risks of using artificial intelligence applications in medical care and public health.
The event was organized by OMLET’s co-leaders, Micah Berman, a professor at Ohio State’s College of Public Health and Moritz College of Law, and Holly Jarman, a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. OMLET plans to facilitate continued collaboration and joint research projects between Ohio State and University of Michigan scholars studying the regulation of health-related emerging technologies.
Professor Micah BermanThis first OMLET event showcased Ohio State’s and the University of Michigan’s leadership in the study of the legal, ethical, and governance challenges associated with emerging health technologies. There were clear synergies across disciplines and a strong desire to keep working together. When Ohio State and Michigan work together, the expertise we can bring to the table is unrivaled.
Professor Holly JarmanEmerging technologies, from new products and scientific techniques to novel applications of AI, have the potential to revolutionize our approach to promoting, protecting, and preserving health. But as disruptive innovations, they also present real risks. Our goal in creating this network is to explore new ways to govern that can keep up with the fast pace of technological change, support the benefits that technologies can bring, and uphold our core public health values.