On 30 September 2025, we are running a brain health workshop at Fatima Community Mosque in Sheffield. The session is a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and the University of Leeds, and has been organised in partnership with the mosque community.
What We Are Hoping to Do
Brain research has a diversity problem. Most neuroscience studies draw on a narrow slice of the population, and Muslim communities are significantly underrepresented. This matters because the findings and technologies coming out of this research may not work as well for everyone, and because the voices of many communities are absent from decisions about how this research is done.
We want to understand what Muslim community members think and feel about brain research, and what would make taking part in research feel more accessible and worthwhile. We are also interested in the broader cultural, religious, and practical considerations that shape how people engage with neurotechnology.
The insights we gather will be used to develop guidance for researchers on how to design studies that are more inclusive and respectful of Muslim participants.
Why This Matters
For neurotechnology to work for everyone, it needs to be developed and tested with everyone. Community input like this is essential to making sure that does not remain an aspiration.
We are grateful to Fatima Community Mosque for welcoming us and making this session possible. Stay tuned to see how the project progresses.
