Future

PEAR has now concluded its experimental operations at Princeton University. After nearly three decades of systematic empirical study of consciousness related physical phenomena, it is our sense that many of the salient correlates of these intriguing anomalies have now been identified. There are many important questions still to be addressed, but these will require an even broader interdisciplinary approach to the topic. Therefore, we will be shifting our base of operations to the International Consciousness Research Laboratories (ICRL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose three-fold mission focuses on: 1)quality research, 2) educational initiatives, and 3) practical applications.

Our plans comprise: 1) Supporting collaborative research projects that strengthen the empirical databases on consciousness related physical phenomena, and developing effective theoretical models;

2) Encouraging and nurturing the intellectual and pragmatic endeavors of a network of younger scholars, many of whom have have participated in our program over the years as volunteers and interns;

3) Directing corporate efforts dedicated to the realization of beneficial applications in various sectors of society. In this context, we hope to involve cogent entepreneurs and visionary venture capitalists,s for whom the ultimate market deployments could be huge, in mutually profitable collaborations. One such enterprise has been initiated with Psyleron, Inc.

As an important element of PEAR's transition program, we have recently completed a comprehensive educational DVD/CD set entitled "The PEAR Proposition." Two DVDs offer the viewer a synopsis of the program's history; a virtual tour of the PEAR laboratory; four lectures by Professor Jahn; informal commentaries by staff members, interns, operators, and friends; an assortment of downloadable PEAR publications; and sundry interstitial material that attempts to capture the spirit and substance of the PEAR enterprise. A CD records a conversation between Bob Jahn and Brenda Dunne in which they talk about the interpersonal dynamics that have characterized the program, and share their perspectives on the interpretations and implications of the research results.

This project was sponsored by ICRL and produced by Aaron Michels of Strip Mind Media. The package can be ordered from ICRL for $50, plus shipping and handling.