Francis X. Shen

Dr. Francis X. Shen is a leading expert in the evolving field of neurolaw, which studies the connection between the brain and the legal system. He works to understand how discoveries in neuroscience can help make our laws both equitable and effective. Francis’s motto is “Every story is a brain story,” which highlights that brain science is critical to understanding human behavior in a legal context. As the director of the Shen Neurolaw Lab, he conducts research on the legal, ethical, and practical issues that arise when neuroscience is used in court. His work explores a wide range of topics, from using brain scans to understand a person’s mental state to applying neuroscience in criminal justice and personal injury cases. Francis holds multiple prestigious roles. He is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Law, Brain, and Behavior and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. He also serves as a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and is a faculty member in the university’s Neuroscience Program. Francis is well-published and a highly respected voice in this emerging field. His work aims to ensure that as neuroscience advances, the legal system can adapt in a way that is both scientifically sound and ethically responsible.