International Forum on Consciousness

Bridging Worlds: The Confluence of Culture, Science, and Spirituality

May 15-16, 2025 | Madison, WI

The 2025 International Forum on Consciousness continues the exploration of the evolution of consciousness, focusing on the dynamic intersection of diverse cultural, scientific, and spiritual perspectives. Bridging Worlds emphasizes the transformative potential of converging insights from ancient wisdom, emerging technologies, neuroscience, and modern scientific advancements to inspire personal transformation and collective progress.

Through thought-provoking keynotes, interactive panels, and immersive workshops, Bridging Worlds explores topics such as ancient practices, the role of psychedelics, AI and consciousness, nature-based healing practices, and the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary science. Participants are invited to reflect on the interconnectedness of life, engage in meaningful cross-cultural dialogues, and co-create new paradigms that promote a conscious, inclusive, and sustainable future.

We are pleased to announce our initial list of keynote speakers for the 2025 Forum:

Wade Davis, PhD, BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk; Professor of Anthropology at University of British Columbia 

Gül Dölen, MD, PhD, Professor, Bob & Renee Parsons Endowed Chair in the Department of Psychology, the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics
and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley 

Melissa Etheridge, Rock Star and Founder, The Etheridge Foundation

Mia Maestro, Musician, Actress & Filmmaker  

Charles Raison, MD, Professor of Human Ecology and Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
and Director of Clinical and Translational Research, Usona Institute

Dana Sawyer, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and World Religions at Maine College of Art & Design 

Brian Stafford, MD, MPH, Senior Guide, Trainer, Board Member, and Director of the Wild Mind Training Program, Animus Institute 

Tawni Tidwell, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Center for Healthy Minds, UW-Madison 

Moderators 

Steve Paulson, Executive Producer, To The Best of Our Knowledge, Wisconsin Public Radio and PRX 

Bill Linton, President & CEO, Promega Corporation; President, BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute; Co-Founder & Executive Director, Usona Institute 

Tura Patterson, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Usona Institute

Stay tuned for an updated agenda and additional speakers/experiential leads…. 

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Bridging Worlds: The Confluence of Culture, Science, and Spirituality

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Concluded:
The Many Facets of Love: Understanding Consciousness and Connection [MAY 16-17, 2024]

PRESENTER ABSTRACTS
VIDEOS

NOTE: The above video link also provides access to the talks and panel discussions for 2010-2024.

archive: EVENT BROCHURES

This year’s conference dove into love’s many dimensions, utilizing concepts from neuroscience, indigenous perspectives, mindfulness, psychology and the arts. It offers keynotes, panels, and experiential sessions that aim to explore and celebrate love, nurturing a journey towards a conscious, connected, and compassionate society. How do we better understand something as nuanced as “love?”

background information

Coordinated by the BTC Institute, Promega Corporation and Usona Institute, the International Forum on Consciousness offers a lively two days of information-sharing and discussion regarding important – and often challenging – topics. Launched in 2010, the Forum has focused on exploring dimensions of consciousness.

This has involved looking into various realms, pushing the envelope at times, while remaining centered on engaging our audience and our speakers. We have been guided through a range of topics, including creativity, near death, entheogens, intelligence in nature, business evolution, the effects of sensory inputs and ways of detecting and measuring consciousness.