Dr. James Giordano is a globally recognized authority in neuroscience, neurotechnology, and bioethics, with over 40 years of professional experience spanning academia, government, and private sector consulting. His groundbreaking work has bridged the complex intersections of neuroscience, biotechnology, and global security, making him a sought-after advisor to prominent organizations worldwide.
A seasoned academic leader, Dr. Giordano has held the position of Pellegrino Center Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry, and Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program at Georgetown University Medical Center for two decades. His work focuses on advancing ethical frameworks for the application of neurotechnologies in medicine, public health, and national security. Additionally, he served on the Secretary’s Advisory Council on Human Research Protection (SACHRP) of the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring ethical standards in federally supported research.
Dr. Giordano also serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for Biodefense Research, where he leads initiatives to address emerging threats in biosecurity and biodefense. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping policies for the Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) . As a Senior Research Fellow at both the U.S. Naval War College, and US Naval Academy, Dr. Giordano provides critical insights into cognitive warfare, biotechnology applications, and the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies in defense and security.
Dr. Giordano’s influence extends internationally, with advisory roles at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); World Health Organization (WHO); UNESCO; EU Human Brain Project; and NATO, where he addresses ethical, legal, and social implications of advanced biotechnologies. He has also contributed to the global dialogue on ethics and technology through his leadership of the Neuroethics Program for the IEEE Brain Project.
His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Biopsychology from the City University of New York, and a D.Phil. in the Political Philosophy of Science from the Technical University of East Bavaria-Regensburg; with post-doctoral work at at Johns Hopkins University; Harvard Medical School, and the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich . Multilingual, with proficiency in German and Italian, Dr. Giordano has collaborated extensively with institutions across the UK, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Japan.
Dr. Giordano has delivered over 1,500 invited lectures and is the author of over 350 peer-reviewed publications and 9 books, contributing to both academic discourse and public understanding of biotechnology, brain science, and bioethics. His commitment to excellence is reflected in accolades including election as a Fellow of the Hastings Center for Ethics; Overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, (UK); and Fellow of the European Academy of Science.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Giordano is a passionate aviator and flight instructor, motorcyclist and motorcycle safety instructor, and Judo coach, embodying a commitment to mentoring and safety. His personal philosophy— “Measure twice, cut once, and do so with ethical integrity”—guides his approach to both professional and personal pursuits.
Character
Dr. James Giordano exemplifies integrity, ethical leadership, and a commitment to advancing societal well-being through science and technology.
Knowledge
With over 42 years of experience, he possesses unparalleled expertise in neuroscience, bioethics, neurotechnology, and global security.
Strategic
Dr. Giordano is adept at navigating complex intersections of science, ethics, and policy, providing innovative solutions and forward-thinking leadership.
Communication
A dynamic speaker and prolific writer, he excels in conveying complex ideas clearly, fostering collaboration, and influencing multidisciplinary audiences globally.
