Science Programme

The intention of the Beckley Foundation Science Programme is to advance our understanding of human brain function and the nature of consciousness. It has resulted in the formation of various collaborative research projects with leading scientists in the fields of neurophysiology, biochemistry, psychiatry and psychology, at renowned scientific institutions in Great Britain and abroad.

The Beckley Foundation Science Programme aims to:

• explore the processes that underpin conscious states.
   
• characterise the attributes of 'normal' human consciousness and determine the changes that occur in pathologically, naturally or chemically altered states.
   
• evaluate the potential of techniques currently employed in the alteration of conscious states to provide therapeutic and medicinal benefits.
   

The research programmes initiated by the Beckley Foundation investigate changes in cerebral blood flow, electrical current and magnetic field variations underlying different states of consciousness. Other changes measured include neurotransmitter concentrations, neural immune function, cognition and mood ratings. Using sophisticated brain imaging technologies, new areas can be explored, enabling us to see further into the human brain and the workings of the mind than ever before.