Eleven major neuroscientific research projects related to “The Science of Perception Box” are being funded by the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, each project receiving three consecutive years of funding for up to $900,000 – including research projects related to psychedelics.
The awarding of the funding follows an open process that draws hundreds of innovative and forward-thinking applications from research teams from around the globe.
One psychedelics project that has been selected for funding is ‘The role of transformative experiences and brain network dynamics in hedonic response to psychedelics: paving the way for broader utilization’.
The project will be carried out at the University of Vienna, Austria and the Principal Investigator os Julia Sophia Crone, with Co-Investigators Marie Spies of the Medical University of Vienna) and Rupert Lanzenberger of the Medical University of Vienna.
The project aims to investigate whether the psychedelic experience is necessary for increased well-being and pleasure and how traits like openness affect this relationship.
A second psychedelics research project that has been selected is ‘A comprehensive neuropsychological test of breathwork as a tool for trauma processing and mental well-being’.
The research will be carried out at Ernst Strungmann Institute for Neuroscience, Germany, with Principal Investigator Martha Nari Havenith and Co-Investigators Isabel Dziobek of Humboldt University, Berlin and Christopher Timmermann of Imperial College London.
The study aims to explore the potential of circular breathwork as a tool for trauma processing with the goal to understand whether circular breathwork and psychedelic therapy share similar psychological and neuronal mechanisms in participants with a history of childhood trauma.
Thirdly, funding has gone toward psychedelic research taking place in the US. The project ‘Activating Neuroplasticity to Enhance the Perception Box Expanding Effects of Psilocybin‘ will be carried out at The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, USA.
Principal Investigator is Charles Raison with Co-Investigator Christopher Nicholas, Steven Garlow, Stephanie Jones and Paul Hutson all of the University of Wisconsin.
The study will seek to link the effects experienced during the psychedelic state, such as mystical experiences, to long-term changes in Perception Box-related areas.
“We were overwhelmed by the unexpectedly large interest in the Science of Perception Box™ RFP,” said Christof Koch, the Chief Scientist at Tiny Blue Dot Foundation.
“Our team had its work cut out for them to determine which projects to fund as there were so many that were worthwhile.
“There is great enthusiasm to understand the footprints of the Perception Box™ in the brain and to measure the effectiveness of techniques and interventions to broaden its boundaries in neurotypicals and/or clinically defined populations to help them lead happier lives.”
Other recipients include studies ranging from breathwork, mindfulness, heated yoga, mindfulness interventions for treating chronic pain, and reducing bias by building relationships among police and black community members.
“We were shocked and thrilled by not only the number of responses, but the imagination, creativity and range of submissions,” said Elizabeth R. Koch, Co-Founder of Tiny Blue Dot Foundation.
“Each of the proposals we’ve chosen could on its own have a meaningful impact on helping people understand the nature of their Perception Box™. Coupled with all the other projects and partnerships Unlikely Collaborators is creating and cultivating, this research has incredible potential to ease suffering and bring more joy and collaborative engagement to our world.”
