Advances in neuroimaging and neuroscience hold significant promise for improving understanding of disorders of consciousness arising from severe brain injuries. Discussed are ways of advancing knowledge of diagnostic methods and experimental therapeutic strategies for disorders of consciousness as well as identifying important challenges for professionals engaged in the study of patients with such disorders. Of particular interest and focus of discussion are an integrated presentation of basic and clinical neuroscience with neuroethics; neuroimaging of volitional behavior in apparently unconscious patients; neuroimaging of pain in the minimally conscious state; experimental and clinical studies of central thalamic brain stimulation in the injured brain; new concepts in neuroethics; and new diagnostic methods for assessment of severe brain injury.