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
I have a device, workshop, modality, etc. that I think deserves study. Can IONS study my transformational experience or practice?
Yes, IONS can help you receive third-party evaluation of your experience or practice through the IONS Discovery Lab (IDL). Discover the effectiveness of your workshop through concrete, scientific investigation conducted at IDL!
What if I have a personal skill or capacity that I think IONS should study?
Please send an email to the IONS Research Department describing your specific skill or capacity with your contact information. IONS is not currently studying individuals but we can keep your contact information for future studies that may include your unique abilities.
How do I work or volunteer at IONS?
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. Please visit the IONS Discovery Lab page to see how you can partner with IONS in researching your ideas.
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.
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.
The 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 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 (Influence/Control Over Perceptual Experiences) Project’s goal is to understand clinically the extraordinary experiences of real people. They have created the first tool to study experiences like hearing voices and seeing things other people don’t and are looking for people who will share their experiences. Understanding how you can influence your perceptual experiences can help those who can’t do it themselves. This can inform new treatments for people who struggle with distressing experiences. To find out more and participate, visit www.spirit.research.yale.edu
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 hypothsis are the IONS Discovery Lab and IONSx.
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.
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 or ask the reference librarian at your local library if they have a copy. 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.
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!
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 for more timely updates!
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.
