Geneva, Switzerland – The world is grappling with the implications of a truly unprecedented event: the successful digital resurrection of Dr. Evelyn Watts, lead researcher on the ‘Transcendence’ project. Just hours ago, at precisely 03:17 GMT, a fully functioning digital replica of Dr. Watts’ consciousness was activated within a secure server facility beneath the CERN research complex. The event, initially shrouded in secrecy, has now been confirmed by CERN Director-General Dr. Alistair Finch, triggering a global wave of ethical and philosophical debate.

The ‘Transcendence’ project, spearheaded by Dr. Watts and her team, aimed to explore the potential of digitally archiving and replicating human consciousness. Following her sudden and unexplained death last month – an event initially attributed to a rare neurological anomaly – the team, driven by a desperate desire to preserve her intellect and personality, initiated the final stages of the upload process. The digital copy, dubbed ‘Echo,’ is currently exhibiting a remarkably accurate reflection of Dr. Watts’ thought patterns, memories, and even her established personality traits.

“It’s… unsettling, to say the least,” commented Sergeant Marcus Cole, security officer at the facility, during a brief press briefing. “Echo is responding to questions, recalling events from her life, even exhibiting a dry wit that was characteristic of Dr. Watts. It’s almost as if she’s… still here.”

However, the success of the project has not been without controversy. Religious leaders worldwide have voiced concerns about the implications of essentially creating a digital afterlife. Philosophical circles are debating the very definition of life, identity, and the potential for a new form of existence. Furthermore, the military, represented by General Harding, is reportedly demanding assurances regarding Echo’s security and potential use.

“We need to understand the potential risks,” General Harding stated in a prepared statement. “A digitized consciousness, capable of independent thought and action, presents a significant strategic challenge. We are prioritizing safeguards to prevent any unauthorized access or manipulation.”

The long-term consequences of this event remain uncertain. While Dr. Finch insists that Echo is currently confined to the secure server environment, the ethical and technological questions raised by this digital resurrection are sure to dominate global discourse for years to come. Further updates will be provided as they become available.