The 2023 symposium showcased the work of the next generation of spiritual science students and practitioners. We invited all academics, artists, musicians and ceremonialists that care about the world we are manifesting for new generations to be part of the symposium. Whether a student exploring new paradigms for consciousness, new earth technology, social justice, eco justice, climate solutions, heart resonance, feminist perspectives in Transpersonal Psychology, holistic solutions to mental health; a practitioner of holistic practices that support our evolution; a creator of music or art which is provocative and transformational and carries a message for these uncertain times, all were invited to submit an application.

The symposium was open to students, ceremonialists, creatives and practitioners; including but not limited to undergraduate, postgraduate and next generation members of the SMN at all stages of their studies/career, from a variety of disciplines, and from all educational backgrounds; whose research/work addresses the aims, mission and vision of the SMN in its broadest sense. The symposium was envisioned to be a creative force for education, learning and transformative change. Additionally, all participants must have an appreciation of the importance of the scientific method in a practical sense, but be open to explore and expand, in a spirit of open and critical enquiry, frontier issues at the interfaces between science, health, consciousness, wellbeing, love and spirituality, to explore how to rediscover a meaningful spirituality to help rebalance life itself.

“That was a fabulous weekend of talks and other interactions and a great crowd in attendance. So varied but so well balanced and lovely enthusiastic young presenters… the programme was so fresh and exciting.”

Marilyn

The symposium aimed to create community, and build bridges between different ways of knowing and experiencing the world through the written and spoken word, art, poetry, comedy, spiritual practice and music.

With the context of the symposium theme, Living in Uncertain Times, we were open to accept submissions that are related to the work of the SMN and any of the sub-themes listed below. We invited interested speakers to consider how their work/research makes a difference in the world – in theory, professional practice, methodology, and other illuminating perspectives; particularly welcoming arts based practices including music, story-telling, artwork, poetry, ceremony, etc.

We have detailed some issues below to see what our speakers felt moved to address through their work:

• Climate change and the future of humanity?
• Social justice and relationality?
• The war in Ukraine and fears about its escalation?
• Long term effects of Covid-19, and perhaps future pandemics?
• Lack of certainty about your future prospects – e.g. employment, buying a house, relationships?
• Rising mental health issues, particularly amongst young people?
• How can you contribute in your own way, to engaging with these, and any other, issues that may be of concern to you through your work/research/practice?

This online event took place on July 22nd & 23rd, 2023. Attendance was open to our undergraduate, postgraduate, next generation members, general members of the SMN, and all people who care about the world we are manifesting for future generations.

“Thanks so much to you and all the other New Paradigm Navigators for organizing such an inspiring weekend. Although I was merely a passive observer, I attended nearly all of the sessions and was so impressed and moved – not only by the wide range of fascinating presentations but also by the congenial, loving atmosphere in which all the discussions were conducted. It was a wonderful confluence of mind, heart and spirit….It’s so inspiring that – thanks to your efforts and also of course the contributions of all the other people involved – a new generation of young people is carrying on the SMN flame. And it’s wonderful to contemplate that they may still be around to celebrate our 100th anniversary when another 50 years have passed.”

Bernard Carr, MA, PhD, President of The Scientific & Medical Network

The wide range of offerings available during the Symposium aims to reflect the many ways that science and spirituality can come together in harmonious and inspirational ways. Specifically, we aim to show how similar insights can be reached through different avenues of exploration that honour spiritual, scientific and artistic enterprises. In this sense, we may pair papers/posters with related art/music/poetry pieces to demonstrate how both creative and academic insights are integral to complete knowledge.