Consciousness: Science, Spirituality and Global Impact 2025
Consciousness: Science, Spirituality and Global Impact
A groundbreaking conference uniting leading scientists, scholars, spiritual leaders, and changemakers
The second bi-annual Consciousness Conference took place at the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, Boston in October 2025, bringing together leading scientists, scholars, spiritual leaders, and change-makers. Over two days, experts engaged in illuminating dialogues with Sadhguru on topics spanning brain dynamics, mental health, and psychedelics to ancient wisdom, physics, and space exploration — sparking conversations that transcended disciplines.
Conference Agenda
Day 1: Consciousness Beyond the Brain & Conscious Leadership
Friday, October 10, 2025
Day 1 Morning: Consciousness Beyond the Brain
7:00 AM — Registration Opens
7:30 – 8:15 AM — Yoga & Meditation Session
7:30 – 8:30 AM — Light Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 AM — Opening Remarks: “From 2023 to 2025: Revisiting Unanswered Questions”
Prof. Bala Subramaniam, Harvard Medical School
9:00 – 9:30 AM — Does Physics Need a Revolution to Explain Life, Living Systems, & Consciousness?
Dr. Anita Goel, Nanobiosym Research Institute
9:30 – 10:00 AM — Psychedelics as Tools for Studying Consciousness
Prof. Michael Silver, UC Berkeley
10:00 – 10:30 AM — When Mind Shapes Matter: Experimental Evidence at the Frontiers of Science
Dr. Dean Radin, Institute of Noetic Sciences, California Institute of Integral Studies
10:30 – 11:00 AM — Consciousness and the Brain - Lessons from Meditation
Prof. Georg Northoff, University of Ottawa
11:00 – 11:30 AM — Break
11 AM – 2 PM — Poster Open Viewing
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Consciousness and the Nature of Reality
Jude Currivan & Sadhguru
1:00 – 2:00 PM — Lunch Served
Day 1 Afternoon: Conscious Leadership and Philanthropy
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Poster Session Interactive Viewing
3:30 – 4:00 PM — Break
4:00 – 6:00 PM — Philanthropy with Purpose: Conscious Leadership for a Changing World, Leading in Uncertain Times
Sadhguru in Conversation with Ranjay Gulati, Vellayan Subbiah, and Stephen Kaufer
Exhibits: 1 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 7 pm
Day 2: Mental Health, Gen Z & Human Potential
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Day 2 Morning: Gen Z, Digital Psychiatry, and Mental Health for All
7:00 AM — Registration Opens
7:30 – 8:15 AM — Yoga & Meditation Session
7:30 – 8:30 AM — Light Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 AM — Vedic Sciences for Mental Well-Being
Swami Sarvapriyananda, Vedanta Society, New York
9:00 – 9:30 AM — Ancient Science and Well-Being
Prof. Matcheri Keshavan, Harvard Medical School
9:30 – 10:00 AM — Why Faith Matters to Realize Mental Health for All
Prof. Vikram Patel, Harvard Medical School
10:00 – 10:30 AM — Break
10:30 – 11:00 AM — Harnessing Attention to Increase Positivity and Decrease Suicidality
Dr. Shirley Yen, Harvard Medical School / Brown University
11:00 – 11:30 AM — Framing the Role of AI and Technology to Augment Mental Health
Dr. John Torous, Harvard Medical School
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Mental Health Panel with All Speakers
All speakers joined by Sadhguru
1:00 – 2 PM — Lunch Served
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM — Top 3 Posters Oral Presentations in the Auditorium
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM — Best Poster Awards
Day 2 Afternoon: Human Potential & Conscious Space Exploration Special Panel
3:00 – 5:00 PM — Conscious Space Exploration
Sadhguru in conversation with Commander Sunita Williams & Dr. Kavya Manyapu (NASA)
Exhibits: 1pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm
End of Conference
Speakers
Dr. Jude Carrivan
Dr. Jude Currivan is a cosmologist and physicist (MSc, Oxford; PhD in Archaeological Cosmology), who integrates scientific and spiritual perspectives to present a unified vision of reality. As founder of WholeWorldView, she leads an international movement toward planetary healing by synthesizing quantum theory, consciousness science, and ancient wisdom. Her books—The Cosmic Hologram and The Story of Gaia—have been translated into 16+ languages, exploring the universe as a meaningful, ever-evolving field of information and awareness. In her TEDx talk titled “The Story of Gaia: The Evolution of Unitive Awareness”, she presents how emerging science and consciousness intersect.
Dr. Anita Goel
Dr. Anita Goel is a physicist and physician whose pioneering work in nanobiophysics explores how quantum mechanics may influence biological systems, including consciousness. As founder of Nanobiosym, her innovations like Gene-RADAR® bridge frontier science and real-world impact in global health. She has been recognized by MIT and Scientific American as a leading innovator shaping the future of science. Dr. Goel brings a unique lens to the conference, offering insights at the nexus of physics, biology, and the emerging science of consciousness.
Dr. Steven Laureys
Dr. Steven Laureys is a neurologist and consciousness researcher known for his groundbreaking work on disorders of consciousness, meditation, and near-death experiences (NDEs). As founder of the Coma Science Group at the University of Liège, he has shown that awareness may persist even in severely brain-injured patients. His recent work explores how altered states—like NDEs and deep meditation—offer scientific insights into the boundaries and nature of consciousness. Dr. Laureys’ research bridges clinical neuroscience with the mysteries of human experience.
Prof. Georg Northoff
Prof. Georg Northoff is a philosopher–psychiatrist–neuroscientist best known for developing the TemporoSpatial Theory of Consciousness (TTC), which argues that consciousness arises from the brain’s intrinsic alignment with temporal and spatial structures of the world. His work encourages a paradigm shift from a traditional “mind–brain” model to a broader “world–brain” perspective—emphasizing neurodynamics over localized brain activity. See his compelling talk “The Brain and Its Mind – The Need for Philosophy”
Prof. Michael Silver
Prof. Michael A. Silver is a neuroscientist and professor at UC Berkeley. As the Director of the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP), he leads pioneering research on how psychedelic compounds like psilocybin alter sensory processing and perception in the human brain. His work tests theories such as REBUS (Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics), which propose that psychedelics loosen the influence of prior expectations to open new perceptual and cognitive pathways. For a compelling primer, watch “An Inside Look: UC Berkeley’s Center for the Science of Psychedelics” featuring Dr. Silver and colleagues
Dr. Bala Subramaniam
Prof. Bala Subramaniam leads the research on bridging science and spirituality at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. His work is focused on enhancing our understanding consciousness, cognition, and compassion through research, education, and outreach. Some of the educational efforts have been placed in the YouTube that has more than 10million views. He is organizing this Consciousness Conference to bridge the eastern and western views of consciousness in a scientific way.
Sadhguru JV
Sadhguru JV is a yogi and a mystic, isha.sadhguru.org, a man whose passion spills into everything he encounters. Named one of India's 50 most influential people, Sadhguru's work has touched the lives of millions worldwide through his transformational programs. Sadhguru has a unique ability to make the ancient yogic sciences relevant to contemporary minds, acting as a bridge to the deeper dimensions of life. His approach does not ascribe to any belief system but offers methods for self-transformation that are both proven and powerful. He is an author, poet, and visionary. Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy, Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga, Mystic's Musings, Himalayan Lust, Mind is Your Business, Body: The Greatest Gadget, Greed is God, Of Mystics and Mistakes, Emotion: The Juice of Life, Compulsiveness to Consciousness, Ambition to Vision, Flowers on the Path, Joy 24 x 7, Encounter the Enlightened, Don't Polish Your Ignorance, Enlightenment- An Inside Story, Pebbles of Wisdom, Life and Death in One Breath, Eternal Echoes: Mystic Poems, Sadhguru: More than a Life (biography), A taste of wellbeing, Food Body, Dhyanalinga: The Silent Revolution, Karma, Death. (Full Authorship List)
Dr. John Torous
Dr. John Torous is Director of the Division of Digital Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. He is a leading innovator in the field of digital mental health, exploring how smartphones, apps, and wearable technologies can enhance psychiatric care, monitor symptoms, and personalize treatment. As Editor-in-Chief of the journal JMIR Mental Health, Dr. Torous is shaping the future of evidence-based digital psychiatry. His work is relevant to understand the impact of technology in youth mental health.
Dr. Shirley Yen
Dr. Shirley Yen is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University. Her research focuses on adolescent and young adult suicide risk, self-injury, and mood disorders, with a particular emphasis on identifying early predictors and prevention strategies. She has led several large-scale longitudinal studies, including the NIMH-funded Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study. Dr. Yen’s work is instrumental in shaping evidence-based interventions for high-risk youth and improving mental health outcomes during critical developmental periods.
Swami Sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and the Minister of the Vedanta Society of New York, known globally for his clear, insightful teachings on Advaita Vedanta. He has spoken at Harvard, the UN, and TEDx, and engages in dialogues bridging ancient wisdom with modern consciousness science. As a former Nagral Fellow at Harvard Divinity School, he actively fosters interfaith and philosophical discourse.
Dr. Vikram Patel
Dr. Vikram Patel is Paul Farmer Professor and Chair, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of Mental Health for All Lab. As a global leader in mental health, he is recognized for transforming mental health care in low-resource settings. As co-founder of Sangath, his community-based models have influenced health policy worldwide. His work highlights the deep links between mental health, social equity, and global well-being.
Dr. Matcheri Keshavan
Dr. Matcheri Keshavan is the Stanley Cobb Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a global leader in schizophrenia research. His work focuses on early intervention and cognitive therapies, with over 900 publications advancing the neurobiology of psychosis. He brings a unique lens to consciousness through the study of disrupted mental states. Dr. Keshavan’s expertise is essential for exploring the neural foundations of awareness and their implications for global mental health.
Comm. Sunita Williiams
Sunita “Suni” Williams is a decorated NASA astronaut, U.S. Navy test pilot, and engineer who has logged over 608 days in space. Over three long-duration missions, she commanded the International Space Station (ISS), operated three different spacecrafts, completed nine spacewalks and made history by running the Boston Marathon on the ISS treadmill. Currently part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, she recently piloted Boeing’s Starliner on its first crewed mission, advancing the next era of American spaceflight. Known for her resilience, adaptability, and leadership in extreme environments, Suni’s experiences offer profound insights into human potential, consciousness, and adaptability beyond Earth. Her presence bridges the frontiers of space exploration with the deeper questions of inner space and human well-being.
Dr. Dean Radin
Dr. Dean Radin is Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), Associated Distinguished Professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and cofounder and vice chairman of the neuroengineering company, Cognigenics. He earned an MS (electrical engineering) and a PhD (psychology) from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In 2022 he was awarded an Honorary DSc (doctor of science) from the Swami Vivekananda University in Bangalore, India.
Before joining the IONS research staff in 2001, Radin worked at AT&T Bell Labs, Princeton University, University of Edinburgh, and SRI International. He has given over 780 talks and interviews worldwide, and he is inventor of 12 patents and author or coauthor of 340+ scientific and popular articles, book chapters, and books, four of which have been translated into 15 foreign languages: The Conscious Universe (1997), Entangled Minds (2006), Supernormal (2013), Real Magic (2018), and Science of Magic (coming October 2025).
Stephen Kaufer
Stephen Kaufer is Co-Founder and CEO of Give Freely, a company that helps users save money when shopping online while also generating donations to the users’ favorite charity. Prior to starting Give Freely, Mr. Kaufer co-founded and was CEO of Tripadvisor for 22 years, and served on the company’s Board of Directors. He currently sits on the Board of Directors at Cargurus (CARG), and also served for 10 years on the board of Glassdoor, prior to its acquisition. He currently serves on two non-profit boards, the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation and the Tripadvisor Charitable Foundation. Over the years, Mr. Kaufer has won a number of awards for his entrepreneurship and leadership in the travel industry including being inducted into the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame, receiving the Pioneer Award by the International Society of Hospitality Consultants and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Mr. Kaufer holds a BA in Computer Science from Harvard University.
Ranjay Gulati
Ranjay Gulati, MBA (Paul R. Lawrence Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School)
Leadership in Business
Ranjay Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration and the former Unit Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit at Harvard Business School. He is an expert on leadership, strategy, and organizational issues in firms. His recent work explores leadership and strategic challenges for building high growth organizations in turbulent markets. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and has written several books on his fields of interest. His lecture, titled “Leadership in Business”, explores the intricacies of business and how consciousness can be employed in a practical field. He also addresses a harsh reality of the business world: the majority of people working in the business field are not in touch with their consciousness and do not have the ability to find a deeper meaning in what they do. He describes the challenges and obstacles in solving this issue to achieve wellbeing.
Vellayan Subbiah
Vellayan Subbiah is a Civil Engineering graduate from IIT Madras and holds an MBA from the University of Michigan. He has over 26 years of diverse experience spanning consulting, technology, manufacturing, and financial services.
He currently serves in multiple leadership capacities:
Executive Chairman of Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. Ltd., one of India’s leading NBFCs engaged in vehicle finance, home loans, SME loans, and related services.
Vice Chairman of Tube Investments of India Ltd. (TII), a flagship Murugappa Group company with business interests across bicycles, metal-formed products, and tubular components.
Chairman of CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd., a leader in the electrical sector, providing design, manufacturing, and marketing solutions for power generation, transmission, and distribution.
He also serves on the Boards of SRF Ltd., Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. Ltd., Tube Investments of India Ltd., CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd., CG Semi Private Limited, and TI Clean Mobility Private Limited.
His achievements have been widely recognized — he was named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024, EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 – India, CNBC TV 18 Indian Business Leader Awards (IBLA) - Outstanding Business Leader of the Year 2024and Extraordinary Entrepreneur of the Year at TiECON 2014. He was also featured in Fortune India magazine
Dr. Anita Goel is a physicist and physician whose pioneering work in nanobiophysics explores how quantum mechanics may influence biological systems, including consciousness. As founder of Nanobiosym, her innovations like Gene-RADAR® bridge frontier science and real-world impact in global health. She has been recognized by MIT and Scientific American as a leading innovator shaping the future of science. Dr. Goel brings a unique lens to the conference, offering insights at the nexus of physics, biology, and the emerging science of consciousness.
Vasundhara Prudhivi
Vasundhara (Vasu) Prudhivi is an Isha Foundation certified classical Hatha Yoga Instructor, carrying ~2,000 hours of training and 4+ years of teaching experience across communities of all backgrounds. Having personally experienced the transformative benefits of yoga on physical, mental and emotional health, she brings a unique passion for improving the health outcomes for all. Vasu also has 13 years of diverse professional experience across Sales Consulting, Professional Development Coaching and Human Resources.
Panels
Day 1: Philanthropy with Purpose: Conscious Leadership for a Changing World, Leading in Uncertain Times
Sadhguru in Conversation with Ranjay Gulati, Vellayan Subbiah and Stephen Kuafer
Day 2: Gen Z, Digital Psychiatry, and Mental Health for All
All speakers joined by Sadhguru
Day 2: Conscious Space Exploration
Sadhguru, Commander Sunita Williams, Dr. Kavya Manyapu
