Researchers Awarded $100,000 for Innovative Essays on AI Consciousness
On November 21, 2025, the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) will reveal the winners of its prestigious Linda G. O’Bryant Noetic Sciences Research Prize during the public event titled “From Algorithm to Awareness: A Noetic Exploration of Conscious AI.” This year’s focus centers on “How to Conceive of a Conscious AI,” emphasizing explorations that challenge traditional materialist views of the mind. The prize aims to support groundbreaking frameworks for artificial intelligence systems that reflect characteristics akin to human consciousness, including self-awareness, ethical reasoning, and adaptive decision-making capabilities.
According to IONS President Thomas Brophy and Executive Chair Claudia Welss, the initiative seeks to draw critical attention to noetic principles in the swiftly evolving AI landscape, particularly the often-overlooked domain of artificial consciousness research. They stress that humanity has a fleeting chance to influence the development of non-human intelligence. Thus, integrating awareness and ethical dimensions into AI advancements is essential for future coexistence with these technologies.
The prize evaluation drew an impressive 56 submissions from researchers, engineers, and interdisciplinary teams worldwide. After two rigorous rounds of assessment by a multidisciplinary panel of judges, three winners were ultimately selected to share the $100,000 prize. The judging panel included notable IONS scientists and esteemed experts in AI, cognitive neuroscience, ethics, and philanthropy, ensuring a comprehensive examination of both scientific rigor and philosophical considerations in the evaluation of theories regarding conscious AI.
The winners will present their pioneering ideas at the event, which will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST. For those interested in attending, registration for this free event can be completed at noetic.org/prize.
About IONS: Founded in 1973 by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, the Institute of Noetic Sciences is a nonprofit research center dedicated to exploring consciousness and profound human experiences, aiming to foster a more compassionate and interconnected world.
