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Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Extraordinary human experiences, such as near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and after-death communication, among others, often have enduring and profound effects on those who undergo them. These experiences can lead to significant positive transformations on an individual level, including heightened spirituality, reduced fear of death, and increased prosocial behaviors such as empathy and altruism. In addition, these individual transformations hold the potential to impact society in profound ways as they would require a shift in worldview regarding the nature of our reality, suggesting that we are more interconnected than the current scientific view assumes.

The Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine stands out as one of the rare academic units globally dedicated to the scientific exploration of these extraordinary experiences. In this panel discussion, DOPS researchers will discuss the significance of investigating these exceptional phenomena for individuals and society. They will explore how these experiences can act as catalysts for fostering a future of greater human togetherness and connection.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.  

Speakers
avatar for Dr. David Acunzo

Dr. David Acunzo

Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine
David Acunzo PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. After a degree in telecommunications engineering from IMT Atlantique (France), David obtained his PhD in neuroinformatics from the University of Edinburgh... Read More →
avatar for Patrick Belisle

Patrick Belisle

Advisory Board Member for UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies | Fundraising Consultant | Wedding Celebrant
Patrick Belisle is a practical mystic; a nonprofit executive, teacher, and world traveler. He studied business and theology with Benedictine monks at his Minnesota college, meditated with Buddhist monks in Thailand, and had a mystical experience at the Osho Commune in India on a one-year... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova

Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova

Research Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine
Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences within the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Marieta earned her PhD in Experimental and Cognitive Psychology from the University of... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Marina Weiler

Dr. Marina Weiler

Assistant Professor, Division of Perceptual Studies, UVA School of Medicine
Marina Weiler, PhD, is a neuroscientist specializing in the field of medical sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Neurology at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil.During her doctoral studies, Marina focused on utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
The Haven

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