In this path-breaking book, ten founding members of the Academy for the Advancement of Postmaterialist Sciences (www.AAPSglobal.com) explain how they came to the provocative conclusion that consciousness is a fundamental property of the universe that exists apart from the physical brain, and that consciousness plays a central role in the existence and evolution of the physical world. These scientists and physicians share examples from their personal lives and scientific careers about how they became postmaterialist thinkers and researchers. Experiments and data are mixed with direct personal experiences and clinical cases to illustrate the breadth and depth of this emerging expansion (some would say revolution) in science and society. Some of the ideas and evidence present in this book are inherently controversial, especially to conventional science, although in agreement with the majority interpretation of quantum physics. At the same time, they are visionary and inspirational. Scientists and lay-persons alike can enjoy the perspectives and predictions expressed in this first volume of the Academy's Advances in Postmaterialist Sciences series. Marjorie Woollacott, Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor of Human Physiology, past chair of the Dept. of Human Physiology, and a member of the Institute of Neuroscience at the U. of Oregon. In addition to teaching courses on neuroscience and rehabilitation, she taught courses on complementary and alternative medicine and meditation. She has published over 200 papers and received over $7.2 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health and other research agencies.Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology, Medicine, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Surgery at the University of Arizona. In addition to teaching courses on health and spiritual psychology, he is the Director of the Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and the Academy for Behavioral Medicine Research. He has published more than 450 scientific papers and has received over $20 million in grant funding.