Dr. Berenika Maciejewicz, a neuroscientist and longevity researcher holding two PhDs, has introduced innovative methodologies for identifying consciousness through her pioneering research on lucid dreaming. She serves as the lead scientist at 600and1, a biotechnology unicorn at the forefront of human longevity innovation – a legacy moonshot developing bioengineering solutions for extending both lifespan and healthspan.
Conducted at London Metropolitan University, Dr. Maciejewicz’s research represents a groundbreaking new insight in neuroscience—one that brings humanity closer to answering the key question of what it truly means to be conscious. Her work integrates brain science, physics, and philosophy to explore the mechanisms underlying self-awareness and cognition.
Her publication, “Cognitive Neuroscience of Lucid Dreaming: Introducing A New Reality Check Induction Protocol – Dream Consciousness Study” featured in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, investigates the complex interplay between attention, working memory, and perceptual awareness. The study delineates distinctions between conscious and unconscious attention and examines how the brain processes both visible and subliminal stimuli. Furthermore, it conceptualizes consciousness as a form of global information broadcasting across interconnected neural systems. By uniting principles from cognitive neuroscience and quantum physics, Dr. Maciejewicz advances understanding of why humans experience self-awareness and how it may be detected through emerging technologies.
A particularly significant aspect of her work lies in its technological implications. By studying rare phenomena such as lucid dreaming, where the brain remains both asleep and self-aware during dream lucidity episodes, Dr. Maciejewicz has pointed to measurable neural patterns that could allow scientists to distinguish between conscious and unconscious states. This line of inquiry holds transformative potential for artificial intelligence and brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies. Clinically, it could enhance diagnostics and treatment for patients unable to communicate—such as those in comatose or vegetative states—by enabling the detection of residual awareness. In the technological sphere, it may contribute to the development of advanced systems that more seamlessly connect human cognition with machines.
A potential future application of this research could be found in neurotechnologies where tracking consciousness itself may become integral to recognizing not only brain signals but also the presence of self-awareness. Such advancements could redefine the capabilities of BCI applications, offering new pathways for restoring communication, mobility, and revolutionizing forms of human–machine interaction.
Dr. Maciejewicz’s extensive academic background distinguishes her as one of the most interdisciplinary scientists of her generation. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Einstein Medical Institute, a PhD in Neuroscience from London Metropolitan University, and an MD in Longevity Medicine. Additionally, she completed the Genetics and Genomics Program at Stanford Medicine, advanced programs in Oncology and Immunology at Harvard Medical School and completed Stem Cell Advancements program at Institute Pasteur in Paris. This broad expertise enables her to investigate the nature of the mind through the interconnected lenses of biology, medicine, physics, and philosophy.
Her recent publication not only enriches academic discourse but also opens avenues for practical innovation including cryogenics and preserving consciousness. As global neuroscience research continues to evolve, Dr. Maciejewicz’s work provides a vital bridge between the enduring mysteries of human consciousness and the accelerating progress of machine intelligence.
