Microdosing involves taking tiny amounts of psychedelic substances in order to produce subtle changes in cognitive function without altering perception. Extensive anecdotal reports suggest that microdosing with LSD can improve mood, enhance cognition, increase productivity, and boost creativity, although no genuine scientific research has ever been done to confirm this.

The Beckley/Imperial Research Programme is undertaking the world’s first scientific study into the efficacy of microdosing, using the latest brain imaging technology to reveal the neurological mechanisms behind its effects. With traditional cognitive tests and questionnaires, we aim to characterise how low psychedelic doses affect mood, cognitive function, and perception. This unprecedented and highly original study will also make use of the ancient Chinese game of Go to investigate whether LSD can increase intuitive pattern recognition and creativity. The study is led by Amanda Feilding, Director of the Beckley Foundation and Co-director of the Beckley/Imperial Research Programme.

However, with little or no inclination for governments or pharmaceutical companies to finance research into psychedelic medications, studies such as this depend entirely on private donors and institutions.

That’s why this crowdfunding campaign, launched by Fundamental, is so important. Hoping to raise $2million, Fundamental will use the proceeds to support four separate studies into the benefits of psychedelic compounds, with a view to making them medically available.

These include studies on psilocybin as a treatment for both end-of-life anxiety and alcoholism at New York University, and a clinical trial of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder, led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), as well as the Beckley/Imperial microdosing study.

Donations made to any of these research projects will help to change the course of psychedelic research and mental healthcare.