Prof. Lucia Melloni | Using Adversarial Collaboration to Harness Collective Intelligence

There are many mysteries in the universe. One of the most significant, often considered the final

frontier in science, is understanding how our subjective experience, or consciousness, emerges from

the collective action of neurons in biological systems. While substantial progress has been made

over the past decades, a unified and widely accepted explanation of the neural mechanisms

underpinning consciousness remains elusive. The field is rife with theories that frequently provide

contradictory explanations of the phenomenon. To accelerate progress, we have adopted a new

model of science: adversarial collaboration in team science. Our goal is to test theories of

consciousness in an adversarial setting. Adversarial collaboration offers a unique way to bolster

creativity and rigor in scientific research by merging the expertise of teams with diverse viewpoints.

Ideally, we aim to harness collective intelligence, embracing various perspectives, to expedite the

uncovering of scientific truths. In this talk, I will highlight the effectiveness (and challenges) of this

approach using selected case studies, showcasing its potential to counter biases, challenge

traditional viewpoints, and foster innovative thought. Through the joint design of experiments, teams

incorporate a competitive aspect, ensuring comprehensive exploration of problems. This method

underscores the importance of structured conflict and diversity in propelling scientific advancement

and innovation.