Prof. Charlotte Martial

Coma Science Group, University of Liège

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are vivid, profound, and transformative mystical experiences that typically occur at the threshold of death. These experiences may initially appear to challenge conventional models of consciousness by demonstrating the occurrence of rich conscious experiences during extreme physiological crises —situations where we would not typically expect consciousness to persist. However, emerging neuroscientific models are offering compelling psycho-neurochemical frameworks for understanding how NDEs arise. In this lecture, Dr Charlotte Martial examines neurophysiological and cognitive markers underlying NDEs, drawing on neurobiological and phenomenological evidence from various neuroscience fields, alongside emerging theoretical models. Building on her recent evolutionary hypothesis, her research challenges the conventional view on NDEs, proposing that they may represent naturally occurring mental states with adaptive functions that enable individuals to better cope with extreme conditions and potentially facilitating profound psychological transformation.