Theoretical Background and Rationale: 

In certain fields of study, researchers’ personal experiences and social background are seen to be relevant to how they conduct research. Especially within humanities and social sciences, researchers have been required to reflect and disclose their positions in relation to their study topic. There is anecdotal evidence that many psychedelic researchers have had own experiences with psychedelic substances, and the relevance of these experiences has been discussed (e.g. Kious et al. 2023). However, there are no empirical studies about the psychedelic researchers’ own viewpoints on the meaning of their experiences, or identification with psychedelic communities.

Research Question and Hypothesis:

The aim of our study is to map the frequency and importance of researchers’ own psychedelic experiences in different fields of psychedelic research. The study will also shed light on different strategies and positions regarding openness about own experiences.

Methods and Analysis: 

The data is collected utilizing an anonymous online survey targeted to psychedelic researchers across disciplines. The data will be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Main Findings: 

The study has begun recently. The results will be available in May 2024.

Conclusion: 

Researchers’ own experiences with psychedelic substances may be common and, at least in some disciplines, relevant to the ways they conduct research.