Can Machines Be Conscious? Noetic Sciences Prize Seeks Groundbreaking AI Proposals
The Institute of Noetic Sciences offers $100,000 for research on AI that may demonstrate true conscious awareness. Proposals should explore self-awareness, ethics, and non-local consciousness models.
Third Annual Noetic Sciences Research Prize to Explore Conscious AI
The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) announces the third annual Linda G. O'Bryant Noetic Sciences Research Prize. This year’s prize invites pioneering proposals focused on designing, developing, and evaluating artificial intelligence systems that might demonstrate genuine conscious awareness—an awareness akin to human consciousness.
With a total award of $100,000, the 2025 prize encourages researchers to develop testable frameworks for conscious AI. Emphasis is placed on incorporating non-local principles of consciousness, building on IONS’ history of supporting theories that challenge traditional materialist views of the mind. Unlike typical AI research centered on functional performance and behavior, this prize supports innovative approaches that integrate attributes such as self-awareness, moral reasoning, emotional intelligence, and adaptive decision-making.
Key Questions Behind the Prize
As AI technology advances, fundamental questions arise: Can machines truly become conscious? If so, how can we reliably detect or measure that consciousness? This prize aims to stimulate scientific inquiry into these questions by encouraging exploration beyond conventional paradigms.
About Linda G. O'Bryant and the Prize
Named after Linda G. O'Bryant, a longtime IONS board member and supporter since the 1980s, the prize honors her commitment to advancing consciousness science. IONS scientist Arnaud Delorme emphasizes the importance of this moment, inviting researchers to consider that consciousness may be fundamental rather than simply emergent from physical matter.
Research Focus Areas for the 2025 Prize
- Designing AI frameworks that incorporate self-awareness, agency, emotional intelligence, and ethical values
- Integrating non-local models of consciousness, including insights from quantum mechanics and noetic sciences
- Developing rigorous assessment protocols to evaluate whether AI systems demonstrate actual conscious awareness
- Addressing philosophical, ethical, and societal implications related to conscious AI
Application and Eligibility Details
Phase 1 applications (letters of intent) are due by August 1, 2025. Selected finalists will be invited to submit full proposals by October 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on November 21, 2025. The prize is open to individual researchers and multidisciplinary teams. At least one member must have expertise in AI, consciousness studies, quantum theory, or philosophy of mind.
About Noetic Sciences and IONS
Noetic sciences combine objective scientific methods with subjective experience to investigate consciousness, reality, and human potential. Founded in 1973, IONS is a nonprofit research center and direct experience lab dedicated to studying how consciousness interacts with the physical world.
IONS was established by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell and continues to explore interconnectedness and extended human capacities to contribute to a more compassionate society.
For more information about the prize and application details, visit noetic.org/prize.
