How does IONS define consciousness?
The word consciousness can be used in many ways in our culture. A neuroscientist may describe consciousness as the state of being awake and aware of one’s surroundings or how the mind perceives something. The consciousness IONS studies refers to a “milieu of potential,” the shared ground of Being from which all experiences and phenomena arise and eventually return.
NOETIC EXPERIENCES
How can I share my spiritual or transcendent experience?
At IONS, we are seeking to better understand what we call noetic experiences: when someone receives information or energy from beyond the conventional notions of space and time. We are collecting these experiences in the Noetic EXperiences Archive (NEXA). Submit Your Noetic Experience Here.
How do I find support for a personal transformational experience?
We understand these experiences can be a lot to deal with on your own without support. Many people write to us asking for help in understanding the nature of anomalous occurrences in their lives. Although we are unable to connect individually with people about their personal experiences, here are a few resources that may provide community and support and be helpful in gaining an understanding of how your experiences may happen.
Spiritual Emergence Network (SEN): SEN provides individuals that are experiencing psychospiritual difficulties a referral and support service. In a culture which has not understood issues surrounding spiritual development, the gift of being heard and understood by a knowledgeable and supportive listener can be life-altering. SEN provides referrals to licensed or trained mental health care professionals in your area who may be of ongoing assistance to deal with many psychospiritual issues. You can reach them at spiritualemergence.org or by calling 415-634-5736.
American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE): ACISTE was established in 2009 to support people who have spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). They welcome experiencers of diverse backgrounds and beliefs and address a wide variety of STEs. They offer numerous resources, including information, peer support groups, and online networking.
The Rhine Research Center: The Rhine’s mission is to advance the science of parapsychology, to provide education and resources for the public, and to foster a community for individuals with personal and professional interest in PSI. The Rhine also provides classes, groups and other resources.
The Yale Cope Project: The Yale COPE Project aims to provide education and resources to individuals who have unique perceptual experiences, such as hearing voices or seeing visions, in order to understand how they navigate and influence these experiences and to help inform new supportive interventions for others. To find out more, visit www.powerslab.net
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH AT IONS
What does the IONS science team study?
All of our projects fall under our overarching hypothesis that “Everything is interconnected, and that embodying that awareness reveals information and energy not limited by space and time, and can profoundly amplify transformation, innovation, and well-being.” Our two major research foci to evaluate this hypothesis are the IONS Discovery Lab and IONSx.
How do I participate in current IONS research projects?
If you are emailing about a specific research study, please locate that study on the Participate in Research page and then follow the participation instructions.
What if I have a personal skill or capacity that I think IONS should study?
IONS is not currently studying individuals, but you are welcome to fill out our future participant application form if you would like to be considered for future studies. If we recruit for a study that you’d be a good fit for, we may reach out via email to invite you to join. You are also welcome to share your experience with us through our Noetic EXperiences Archive (NEXA). Submit Your Noetic Experience Here.
Do IONS scientists read and comment on research proposals, books, manuscripts, or other written, audio or video material?
Our science team is very busy conducting research, writing, and speaking. They generally do not have time available to comment on or confirm individual theories or to support the many worthy research efforts that come to their attention. This reflects not a lack of interest but limits in personnel, time, and finances.
How can I receive regular information about IONS research?
Join our email list to receive our eNewsletters with blogs about the transformational work of our researchers, their public appearances, and IONS online webinars and programs. And please also follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for more timely updates!
Where can I find scientific articles on what IONS studies?
Our science team’s peer-reviewed papers are available on our Publications page. Google Scholar is also an excellent, user-friendly search engine/database that lists articles from peer-reviewed journals and academic books. Another helpful source that contains a comprehensive database of medical research is PubMed.
Does IONS provide grants to support outside research?
IONS does not currently fund extramural research (research that is done outside of our organization). You can visit The Foundation Directory to find out about grants for nonprofit organizations. There are hundreds of grant-making foundations providing billions of dollars every year to charities and nonprofits, including many that specialize in research. Matching your interests with the right foundation is an art and a science, but with effort it can be accomplished.
Does IONS have a Conflict of Interest in Research Policy?
It is the policy of the Institute of Noetic Sciences that all activities conducted at the Institute be conducted with integrity. To this end, standards have been established and enforced to provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of research will be free from bias resulting from financial conflicts of interest. You may read our Conflict of Interest in Research Policy for more details.
How can I support the work of IONS?
Thanks to the individual contributions from people like you, the Institute of Noetic Sciences continues to lead the way in research and understanding around the fundamental nature of consciousness. Make your contribution and partner with us as we continue to explore the outer reaches of inner space. Join IONS’ mission by becoming a member today!
