How This Works

HOW THIS WORKS

As described in our Open Letter, the primary function of this project is to generate new experimental models probing the nature of nonlocality and mind-matter interactions. To do this, we are proposing a multi-phase approach designed to filter the existing literature in ways that highlight empirical data points and internal structure; use new semantic web and machine-assisted data mining tools to identify new correlations; and combine these cross-disciplinary findings to generate new, testable inferences and hypotheses.

These are the basic goals of the project:

  • Conceptually map and connect aspects of non-locality in quantum mechanics, biophysics and experimental parapsychology

  • Connect ideas with available resources within our entire member network

  • Foster the rapid development of new experimental approaches through the formal publication of proposals, methodological critiques and cross-disciplinary feedback

Working groups have been organized around specific research questions and existing literature will be assigned for Semantic Indexing purposes based on each group's focus. This will enable members of a group to gradually develop specialized ontologies for nano-citation and data-mining purposes, as well as provide a continuing stream of relevant information to be assimilated and used by the group in the development of new experimental proposals.

Groups will interact through member-restricted forums and webinars, with proposals and project status reports to be published regularly in the Journal of Nonlocality. Group Coordinators will act as moderators for each working group forum and keep track of projects, participation, content contribution, provide assistance with technical questions and references and forward inquiries to the Core Advisory Group as necessary.

CONTENT CONTRIBUTION

Unlike most organizations, which ask for a financial commitment, membership in the Mind-Matter Mapping Project is free - but requires regular content contribution. This is the sine qua non for our project's viability and as such participation will be closely monitored by group coordinators. Anyone interested in becoming a member will be asked to sign up with one or more groups, fill out a Member Profile and commit to indexing at least 4 abstracts per month as a minimum requirement (in most cases abstracts, rather than full papers, will be assigned). Ranking points are given for every type of content contribution - i.e. indexing existing papers, new literature references, posting grant opportunities, new research ideas or fully developed proposals, administrative duties, etc. These analytics will be compiled by each group coordinator according to a predetermined scheme and posted as part of each member's profile. Scores may be used as a factor when enrolling members in a new project or selecting project leaders, editorial board members, etc. Allowance will be made for personal circumstances, but lack of participation for three months of more will result in automatic loss of privileges.

Note: while access to the Journal of Nonlocality content is free, working group forums and semantic web databases/tools are for members only.