Steven Laureys, MD, PhD, is a Professor at the University of Liège where he leads the Coma Science Group within GIGA Consciousness. He holds dual prestigious appointments as Canada Excellence Research Chair in Integrative Neuroscience for Sustainable Mental Health and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neuroplasticity. His clinical roles include neurologist and clinical professor at the Centre du Cerveau of the CHU of Liège, and Director of Research at the FNRS. Laureys' research focuses on alterations in consciousness across multiple states including coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, locked-in syndrome, anesthesia, sleep, meditation, and hypnosis. His work integrates multimodal neuroimaging (fMRI, PET, EEG), electrophysiology, and behavioral assessments to develop diagnostic and prognostic tools for disorders of consciousness (DOC). Key methodological approaches include brain connectivity mapping, metabolic analysis, and AI-driven modeling of neural dynamics. His publication portfolio reveals a strong emphasis on brain connectivity dynamics (42% of recent articles), AI applications in consciousness assessment (23%), and translational neurorehabilitation (18%). The work consistently bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications, particularly in developing individualized diagnostic frameworks and neuromodulation therapies for DOC patients. Major scientific recognition includes: Francqui Prize (2017), Belgium's highest scientific honor Generet Prize (2019) Appointment as Editor-in-Chief of Brain Connectivity journal (2024) Two Canada Excellence Research Chairs (2023-2024) Laureys directs the internationally recognized Coma Science Group, which operates within the GIGA Consciousness research center. The group maintains extensive international collaborations across Europe, North America, and Asia, with particular focus on developing standardized assessment protocols and innovative neuromodulation approaches for disorders of consciousness. Current research directions emphasize neuroplasticity mechanisms, meditation's impact on brain health, and sustainable mental health frameworks through integrative neuroscience approaches.








