Harvard Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture
Harvard funds interdisciplinary research on the cultural, historical, and societal roles of psychedelics, emphasizing humanistic and social inquiry beyond clinical studies.
Funder: Harvard University
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026: Application period opens (projected) | February 2027: Full application deadline/applications close (projected)
Funding Amounts: Awards typically range from $1,000 to $100,000 per project; duration and amount depend on project scope.
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary research on the cultural, historical, and societal roles and meanings of psychedelics, emphasizing humanistic and social inquiry.
Key Information: Applicants must have a Harvard affiliation throughout the funding period.
Description
This opportunity funds projects that advance understanding of psychedelics in society and culture, with a particular focus on their impact on human experience, history, and cultural context. The initiative encourages interdisciplinary proposals that move beyond clinical or therapeutic research to explore the broader humanistic, artistic, social, and ethical dimensions of psychedelics. Supported projects may include research, arts programming, public events, course material development, and dissemination activities.
The program is a collaboration between Harvard and UC Berkeley’s Center for the Science of Psychedelics and Center for Interdisciplinary Critical Inquiry, though collaboration with Berkeley is encouraged but not required. Past recipients have included faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students across diverse disciplines.
