About

Beyond the Brain 2023

This is the 17th event in the world’s premier conference series exploring new research on whether and how consciousness and mind extend beyond the physical brain and body.

Consciousness is one of the hottest topics in science, which is why we established the interdisciplinary Beyond the Brain conference series with Willis Harman and Edgar Mitchell of the Institute of Noetic Sciences at St John’s College, Cambridge in 1995. The conferences all explore the frontiers of consciousness research beyond the limits of scientific materialism.

We are hosting this year’s event in partnership with two other organisations active in the field: the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and the Alef Trust, with whom we collaborate on their MSc in Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies.

Our speakers are all at the cutting edges of their fields and will be discussing innovative research strategies to probe the nature of consciousness. You will gain a vital overview and a deeper understanding of how consciousness research is expanding the horizons of science. This mind-stretching conference is not to be missed, and we greatly look forward to your participation!

let’s meet the

Organisers

Scientific and Medical Network

The Scientific and Medical Network (SMN) is devoted to the emergence of a more enlightened world – a world in which the wisdom of spirituality and the thoughtfulness of philosophy balance the power of science and technology. View our website here.

We recognise that our world is still plagued by deep problems and enduring conflicts. Many of these are caused by dogmatic, superstitious or ill-informed worldviews. However, we believe that individuals and societies can transform themselves. The key is learning to integrate evidence-based science, born of rational philosophy, with the love and inner peace cultivated by spiritual practice. The Scientific and Medical Network is a worldwide community of professionals dedicated to this transformative task.

The Alef Trust is a global leader in transformative education in the areas of consciousness, and transpersonal, integral, and spiritual psychology. We provide university-accredited Masters and PhD Programmes, as well as Professional Certifications, and Open Learning Courses, all of which promote holistic psychological frameworks and perspectives, nurturing the development of human consciousness and culture. We also undertake research and provide consultancy and leadership for private and public sector organisations, building creative community projects and business engagements.

Alef Trust

let’s meet the

Partner Organisations

Institute of Noetic Sciences

At the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), we are inspired by the power of science to explain phenomena not previously understood, harnessing the best of the rational mind to make advances that further our knowledge and enhance our human experience.

The mission of the Institute of Noetic Sciences is to reveal the interconnected nature of reality through scientific exploration and personal discovery.

At the Division of Perceptual Studies, we believe that a revolution in intellectual history is taking shape, and we have a unique role to play in bringing it to fruition.

Current mainstream science and philosophy portray mind, personality and consciousness as nothing more than byproducts of brain activity encased within our skulls and vanishing at death. Through its research, DOPS strives to challenge this entrenched mainstream view by rigorously evaluating empirical evidence suggesting that consciousness survives death and that mind and brain are distinct and separable.

Division of Perceptual Studies
The Resurgence Trust

The Resurgence Trust is an educational charity and global community that connects, informs, and inspires positive change through events and publications which explore science and spirituality, wisdom and wellbeing, ecology and economics, activism and art, community and culture. Resurgence has been a leading voice in creating change since the 1960’s. Founded by Satish Kumar, The Trust publishes a hope-inspiring magazine, Resurgence & Ecologist as well as The Ecologist, a free environmental news platform. The Trust also connects a global audience with world-renown visionaries through Resurgence Events which are held both online and around the UK.

The International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) is the most trusted source for near-death experience (NDE) research, support, and education. Founded in 1981, IANDS is a non-profit 501(c)(3), membership-based organization. IANDS members include experiencers and non-experiencers; researchers; medical, mental, social, and religious/spiritual healthcare professionals; educators; and the general public.

IANDS publishes the scholarly, peer-reviewed Journal of Near-Death Studies and quarterly digital magazine, Vital Signs; offers online and in person events; provides education and support programs for veterans and healthcare providers; and promotes research into near-death and related experiences.

IANDS’s mission is to advance global understanding of near-death experiences and related phenomena through research, education, and supportive communities and resources.

The International Association for Near-Death Studies