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

The 2025 International Forum on Consciousness continues the exploration of consciousness evolution, focusing on the dynamic intersection of diverse cultural, scientific, and spiritual perspectives. Bridging Worlds emphasizes the transformative potential of merging ancient wisdom, emerging technologies like AI, and modern scientific advancements to inspire personal transformation and collective progress. By addressing critical global challenges in mental health, environmental sustainability, and spiritual well-being, the forum fosters integrative, cross-disciplinary approaches to these issues.

Through thought-provoking keynotes, interactive panels, and immersive workshops, Bridging Worlds explores topics such as ancient practices and potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic therapies, 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.

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

schedule
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?”

presenters

Judson Brewer, M.D., Ph,D., Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center; Associate Professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences; School of Public Health and Psychiatry, Brown University, Providence, RI

Lourenço Bustani, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Board member and Investor, São Paulo, Brazil

Kari Gleiser, Ph.D., Senior Faculty, AEDP Institute, Hanover, NH

Marcelo Gleiser, Ph.D., Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Appleton Professorship of Natural Philosophy; Director, Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Engagement; Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

Adele Lafrance, Ph.D., C. Pysch., Clinical Psychologist, Research Scientist, Author, and co-developer of emotion-focused treatment modalities; Emotion Science, CO [virtual presentation]

Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Psychology, UC Riverside, Riverside, CA

Rachel Nuwer, M.S. (Ecology); M.A. (Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting), Freelance Journalist, Brooklyn, NY

Austin Serio, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Chicoran Shakori, ShockTalk, New York, NY

Spring Washam, Author, Teacher, Healer, and Podcaster, Oakland, CA

Andreas Weber, Ph.D., Biologist, Philosopher and Writer, Berlin, Germany

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.