From early cybernetics to today’s AI frontiers, the entanglement of computational and biological sciences has continuously reshaped our understanding of intelligence, control, and consciousness. Leonardo invites artists, researchers, and theorists to contribute to a special issue exploring The Chimæric Mind—the merging of human cognition, artificial intelligence, and non-human life in scientific, technological, and artistic inquiry. As brain-inspired AI, connectomics, and brain-computer interfaces push the boundaries of human-AI entanglement, we are confronted with a future in which ‘Transcendent AI’ redefines selfhood, agency, and reality. This issue focus section will investigate the ethical and ontological implications of fusing artificial intelligence with biochemical and ecological systems, and the intersections of AI, spirituality, and consciousness. By blending, remixing, and reconfiguring informational structures across neurological, molecular, and quantum scales, we seek to spark critical cross-disciplinary dialogue on AI’s role in shaping planetary futures and expanding our collective imagination.

Topics of Interest include (but are not limited to):
The Syncretic Mind: Beyond Spirituality
Investigating AI’s role in transcendent experiences beyond cultural and religious constraints. Contributions may explore intersections of neuroscience, brain-inspired AI, and brain-computer interfaces in shaping artificial divinity and expanded consciousness.
Transcendent AI: On Artificial Consciousness
Interrogating AI systems that surpass human comprehension, potentially exhibiting self-awareness and creative problem-solving. Contributions may examine the theoretical and practical challenges of artificial consciousness and its implications.
Molmedia: The Quantum Biology of Mind
Exploring consciousness as an emergent phenomenon from quantum interactions beyond classical neural networks. This topic invites discussions on quantum entanglement, superposition, and their role in shaping cognition and perception.
Moist-Encounters: The Artificial Biochemical
Addressing AI’s integration with biochemical processes, from genetic chimerism to engineered life forms. This topic explores ethical and transformative aspects of AI-driven biological experimentation and its potential futures.
Artificial Ecology-as-Cosmology: Decolonial-Convolutional
Investigating AI’s impact on ecological and cosmological narratives, challenging dominant paradigms. This topic welcomes perspectives on AI’s role in reshaping planetary interconnectedness through decolonial and convolutional frameworks.
On the (A)gender(s) of the Machine
Exploring the gendered dimensions of AI, from representation to hybrid intelligence theories. Contributions may examine AI’s role in shaping, reinforcing, or challenging societal constructs of gender and identity.

Proposals and Inquiries
Interested authors may submit manuscript proposals or inquiries to Leonardo at editor@leonardo.info.

Manuscript Submissions
For detailed instructions for manuscript and art preparation, visit https://leonardo.info/author-information
Completed manuscripts can be uploaded at editorialexpress.com/leonardo
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Guest Editors: Clarissa Ribeiro, Roy Ascott

Deadline:
October 26, 2025: Manuscript submission