Robert Prentner

Robert Prentner is a philosopher and interdisciplinary scientist, currently Assistant Professor at the Institute of Humanities at ShanghaiTech University, China. He completed two separate doctoral degrees at ETH Zürich: a PhD in physical chemistry and a PhD in philosophy. His research explores the interface theory of perception and mathematized phenomenology, with a focus on how these approaches intersect with modern technology and philosophical inquiry. He serves as board chair of the Association for Mathematical Consciousness Science (amcs-community.org) and co-editor of the transdisciplinary journal Mind and Matter (mindmatter.de/journal).

At the Trace Institute, Robert helps shape the scientific program, drawing on nearly a decade of collaboration with its members, including his first postdoctoral stay at UC Irvine. His work emphasizes building bridges across disciplines and fostering collaboration, ensuring that research in consciousness studies remains rigorous and connected to broader scientific developments.

Robert believes that mainstream science has overlooked the integration of consciousness and observation into the natural order. He sees Trace as uniquely positioned to address this gap, offering the intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary scope necessary to pursue a unified scientific framework.