Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science

How do conscious experience, subjectivity and free will arise from their biological substrates? Even in the late 20^th century, consciousness was considered by many to be outside the reach or remit of science. Now, powerful new combinations of functional brain imaging, computational modelling and basic neurobiology bring real hope that human ingenuity can resolve this central mystery of life. Practically, an enhanced understanding of consciousness will transform clinical approaches to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, from coma to insomnia, from depression and schizophrenia to autism and dementia.

Founded in 2010 with a generous donation from the Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation, the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science (SCCS) represents a new and multidisciplinary approach to clinical intervention and diagnosis, based on the science of the complex brain networks that give rise to consciousness. 

The establishment of the cross disciplinary Centre is the latest in a long history of cross disciplinary working at Sussex. The University is continuing to promote this type of collaboration through the establishment of six new research themes: Mind and Brain, Digital and Social Media, Culture and Heritage, Citizenship and Democratisation, Global Transformations and Environment and Health.

The SCCS was officially opened on April 21st 2010 by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Michael Farthing, with a keynote lecture from Professor Chris Frith of UCL. Prof. Frith's keynote lecture "What is consciousness for?" is available online (in video and audio format).