What we seek to accomplish
Request for Proposals Released November 22, 2021 (Now Closed)
To learn more about Accelerating Research on Consciousness, view our past Request for Proposals.
About Accelerating Research on Consciousness
Consciousness is a foundational concept for understanding human nature, but there is little agreement on what anatomical structures and physiological functions produce consciousness. Scholars across disciplines can look at the same data and draw different conclusions. As a result, different theories of consciousness have become siloed.
Templeton World Charity Foundation’s Accelerating Research on Consciousness initiative (ARC) proposes a solution to these problems. Drawing on best practices in open science and adversarial collaboration, ARC promotes open and rigorous engagement among leaders of opposing theories. We do not expect to solve all the mysteries of consciousness, but we aim to foster progress by reducing the number of theories through rigorous scientific and conceptual investigation. We hope this will accelerate research and increase the legitimacy of the remaining theories.
Click here to learn more about the grants we have made using our signature approach.
Download the PDF to see our signature approach to making grants.
Accelerating Research on Consciousness aims to make progress on the science of consciousness
by using adversarial collaboration and open science practices.
Stories from our grantees
A groundbreaking project led by Lucia Melloni will test two prominent theories of consciousness: Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory.
Featured Projects
Pilot Study for a Novel Paradigm to Study Consciousness
Analyzing and Merging Theories of Consciousness
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Interested in learning more? We will send occasional updates about the ARC initiative.