Dr. Timo Schmidt (FU)

Dr. Stephan Krohn (CH)

This career development project, "Causal Mechanisms of Altered Experiences," addresses a critical gap in consciousness research by creating an interdisciplinary network for postdocs across neuroscience, psychiatry, philosophy, and computational modelling. While research on altered experiences (from schizophrenia to psychedelic states) is expanding, the field currently lacks a unified framework to connect causal mechanisms studied across these diverse disciplines. The initiative's core objective is to establish a shared language and collaboration platform among early-career researchers, preparing them for joint grant applications—specifically a larger DFG Research Unit (FOR) proposal. This will be achieved through a series of integrated events in March 2026: a linkage with the Berlin Symposium on Stroboscopic Light, a dedicated Postdoc and Early-Career Workshop to outline collaborative projects, and a public science-communication day with international artists to enhance visibility and societal relevance. The project's sustainability will be ensured through ongoing online networking, peer mentoring, and the coordinated preparation of joint publications and funding proposals.