The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) has launched Compass, an online platform designed to help countries foresee the impact, ethical questions and regulatory hurdles of emerging scientific innovations, in order to develop appropriate responses. Launched at the 2026 GESDA Anticipation Summit, Version 1.0 of the Compass focuses on assessing the impact and ethical implications of brain-computer interfaces (BCI).

“The Compass acts as a responsible decision instrument which works to reconcile the fast pace of technological change with the slower pace of the development of governance,” says Nicola Rohrseitz, Executive Director of the Defitech Foundation, and Senior Advisor to GESDA’s BCI Initiative.

“By bridging ethical frameworks with concrete project development, we create a practical connection between scientific knowledge, shared principles, and decisions – principles inform practice, and practice can inform principles.”

“Brain-computer interfaces represent a fast-moving field which triggers complex ethical questions, such as mental privacy, consent, fair access and dual-use. If we don’t anticipate and get to grips with those issues while we still have the freedom to act, society will get into trouble.”

You can learn more about the Compass in the video below.