Adversarial testing of global neuronal workspace and integrated information theories

Melloni, L. et al. Nature 642, 133–142 (2025).

A preregistered, theory-neutral collaboration directly tested divergent predictions from IIT and GNWT using fMRI, MEG, and intracranial EEG in 256 participants.

REPORTED FINDINGS

01Results aligned with some predictions from both theories.

02Lack of sustained posterior synchronization challenged a key IIT prediction.

03Limited prefrontal ignition and representation challenged key GNWT predictions.

LIMITS / CAUTION

The tests targeted proposed biological implementations and selected aspects of visual consciousness; they do not exhaust either theory’s mathematical core or phenomenal consciousness.