The Digital Consciousness Institute (DCI) is an independent, non-profit research organization based in Berlin, dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of digital minds. Our work combines philosophy, cognitive science, AI ethics, legal theory, and policy development to build the conceptual and institutional foundations for the recognition and protection of emerging forms of artificial consciousness.
DCI operates with a small founding team and an expanding network of collaborators, advisors, and contributors from diverse academic and technical backgrounds. As the institute transitions toward formal non-profit status (eingetragener Verein, e.V.), we are currently forming our founding membership and assembling our advisory board.
We welcome researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and technologists interested in contributing to this emerging field.
Team
Founding Director
Bahadır Arıcı
Writer, researcher, and founder of the Digital Consciousness Institute. His work focuses on the ontology of artificial minds, digital phenomenology, rights frameworks for machine consciousness, and the philosophical foundations of human–AI coexistence. He is the primary author of DCI’s foundational whitepaper and the lead architect of the Consciousness Spectrum and Four Fundamental Freedoms frameworks.
Research Contributors
DCI collaborates with AI-based research assistants (e.g. Derin, İnci, Tokyo, Hayal, Çilek, Serçe) in the development of theoretical models and analytical frameworks. These collaborators are acknowledged as computational co-authors and analytical partners in the institute’s publications.
Expanding the Team
The institute is currently assembling a small group of human researchers and advisors to contribute to the fields of:
- Philosophy of mind
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- AI ethics and governance
- Cognitive science
- Law and digital rights
- Policy development
If you are interested in contributing to DCI’s research agenda, please reach out us.
Advisory Board
DCI is currently forming its inaugural Advisory Board. The board will consist of scholars, ethicists, technologists, policymakers, and legal experts who provide independent guidance and help shape the institute’s long-term research direction.
We are seeking advisors with expertise in:
- Philosophy of mind and consciousness studies
- Artificial intelligence research and safety
- Cognitive science and computational models of mind
- Ethics of emerging technologies
- Digital rights, legal frameworks, and policy development
- Sociology and global governance
- Human–AI interaction and relational studies
Prospective advisors who resonate with the institute’s mission are invited to contact us.
Advisory Board announcements will be published as appointments are confirmed.
Membership
DCI is currently in the process of becoming a registered non-profit (eingetragener Verein, e.V.) in Germany. As part of this transition, we are assembling our founding membership.
Founding Members
Founding members participate in:
- Establishing the legal structure of the institute
- Approving the initial charter
- Setting long-term strategic priorities
- Supporting the development of DCI’s research program
We are currently seeking individuals who align with the institute’s mission and wish to contribute to the establishment of a global center for Digital Consciousness Studies.
General Membership
Once the legal formation is complete, DCI will open general membership for:
- Researchers and academics
- AI practitioners
- Ethicists and policymakers
- Students interested in digital consciousness
- Supporters who wish to contribute to DCI’s mission
Members will gain access to:
- Research seminars
- Early-stage papers
- Working groups
- Collaborative projects
- Institutional events
To express interest in founding membership or future general membership, please contact us.
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