Principles

The principles underpinning the Beckley Foundation Science Programme are:

• Consciousness is the 'holy grail' of neuroscience - an essential focus of scientific study, enabling us to better understand what it is that defines us as human.
   
• Societal needs are changing - Western societies consist of ageing and increasingly more stressed populations. Currently the numbers affected by mental and neurological disorders represent 11% of the 'global burden of disease'. The World Health Organisation estimates a rise to 14% by 2020 and predicts that such mental health disorders will become the second most common cause of death and disability by 2020. In light of the emergence of these and other modern maladies, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and substance misuse, better solutions are required to tackle this rising health burden.
   
• Technological advance - as a result of cultural exchange and scientific development, the range of techniques available for altering consciousness has never been so broad. Practices, such as yoga and the use of prescription pharmaceuticals or illicit drugs, have become widely used means of altering consciousness. Common sense suggests that these practices should be assessed in a rational and scientific manner, in order to minimise the harms and maximise the benefits to individuals and society.