Claims from those having near-death experiences (NDEs), as well as those sympathetic to such claims, challenge the prevailing assumption that consciousness is dependent on a functioning brain. Extant theories, both neurobiological and psychosocial, that attempt to explain NDEs are examined and found unable to adequately account for the full range of NDE reports, especially electromagnetic after-effects and out-of-body experiences with veridical perception. As a result, many leading NDE researchers have proposed that a new model is needed to explain how consciousness could possibly exist independently of the brain, mainly relying on theories from quantum physics. Our paper critically evaluates a range of extant neurobiological and psychosocial theories of NDEs, as well as examines theories that might offer more promise in fully explaining NDEs, especially those using insights derived from quantum physics. We conclude that the "hard problem" of consciousness is not yet solved, but that NDEs provide an important avenue for exploring the relationship between consciousness and brain, as well as possibly understanding a disembodied concept of consciousness.

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This article provides an overview of the growing pains associated with paving a new scientific frontier, and challenges researchers have faced in the past, and continue to face in the field of near-death experiences. Some of the key challenges surround researching a subjective experience in an objective way, disclosure barriers from NDErs, research issues that may arise, in addition to stigmatization that may be associated with being a NDE researcher from mainstream science and educational institutions.

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Harris Friedman has made a unique contribution to science by constructing the first explicitly transpersonal measure, helping to bring transpersonal psychology into the realm of more conventional science. He has also engaged in a wide range of professional activities during his career, including mentoring younger scholars and professionals. This paper consists of an introduction written by Fracasso on her experiences of being mentored in her graduate education by Friedman, as well as a statement written by Friedman on some of the factors that led to his interest in both transpersonal measurement and mentorship. It concludes with brief contributions by Douglas MacDonald and Zeno Franco, two scholars whom Friedman has helped in his role as a senior scholar. This paper illustrates how personal history can shape one's later academic interests, as well as the importance for science of passing on traditions across generational divides.