Initiative Information
Advancing the science of consciousness—for people, planet, and all living systems.A bold initiative of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund exploring how consciousness shapes empathy, connection, and well-being and how deeper understanding can lead to real-world impact.
Why Consciousness—and Why Now
In a world that is more (technically) connected than ever, disconnection is accelerating. Empathy is declining. Loneliness and mental illness are rising. Human relationships, with each other and with the natural world, are fraying.
Consciousness lies at the heart of these challenges. Yet despite decades of research, progress has been fragmented and rarely translated into practical outcomes.
As1 exists to change that.
A New Approach
As1 is grounded in rigorous discovery science and transdisciplinary collaboration in order to bring together perspectives that have never previously been brought together.
We unite neuroscience, medicine, ecology, psychology, philosophy, ethics, AI, Eastern and Indigenous traditions, and the arts to move consciousness research from insight to impact.
Where We Focus
Ecological Medicine
Human health and planetary health are inseparable.
End of Life
Reducing existential distress through deeper understanding.
Human Potential
Cultivating empathy, wonder, awe, and connection.
From Research to Real-World Change
As1 is a solutions-driven movement. We prioritize translation, collaboration, and outcomes that restore connection to self, to others, and to the living world.
Through bold inquiry and intentional partnership, we are building the foundation for a new field of consciousness research with lasting societal impact.
What’s Next
As1 is in its activation phase, convening global leaders, building partnerships, and shaping its first Request for Proposals—launching in 2027.
Together with visionary partners, we will fund transdisciplinary, translational research, seed catalytic projects, and build durable infrastructure for the future of consciousness studies.
Join Us
Conscious Connection starts here.
As1 invites collaborators, funders, and changemakers to help shape a more connected, empathetic future.
Connect With As1
Louis J. Muglia, MD PhD
President and CEO
Co-chair As1
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Landon Pollack
Co-Chair, As1
Harbor-UCLA
Brian Anderson, MD
Professor of Psychology
University of California, San Francisco
Deirdre Barrett, PhD
Lecturer on Psychology
Cambridge Health Alliance
Jonathan Birch, PhD
Director, Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience
London School of Economics and Political Science
Sean B. Carroll
Endowed Chair in Biology
University of Maryland
Vint Cerf
Recognized as one of the “fathers of the internet”
Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD
H. Chen Professor, Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry/Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University
Monica Gagliano
Adjunct Associate Professor
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Southern Cross University
David Krakauer
President and William H. Miller Professor of Complex Systems
Santa Fe Institute
Dana Sawyer
Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Main College of Art & Design
Tawni Tidwell, TMD, PhD
Tibetan Medical Physician
Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
Karen Waconda-Lewis
Tribal member-Pueblo
Traditional Practitioner/Healer, Meditator, and Appointed Volunteer Faculty
University of New Mexico, Family and Community Medicine Department
Award Timeline
Program Contacts
Louis J. Muglia, MD, PhD
BWF, Co-Chair
Landon Pollack
Harbor-UCLA, Co-Chair
