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Tiny Blue Dot Foundation Opens New Funding for Perception Research

In a significant development for neuroscience, the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation has opened its fourth round of research funding focused on the Science of Perception Box™. This funding initiative offers multi-year grants of up to $900,000 to support innovative studies that explore the complex interplay between internal beliefs, experiences, and perception of reality. Researchers across the globe are now invited to submit letters of intent (LOIs), with applications due by October 7, 2025.

Since its inception in 2023, the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation has made an impressive impact on the field of neuroscience, allocating over $40 million to 34 pioneering projects worldwide. These studies are not only geared towards enhancing our understanding of perception but also aim to develop effective interventions that address various mental health issues such as anxiety, grief, and body image disorders.

Understanding the Perception Box

The Perception Box framework, conceived by the foundation’s founder Elizabeth R. Koch, proposes a model that illustrates how our internal narratives and emotional experiences mold our perception and reactions to the world around us. This concept serves as a lens through which researchers can examine the intricate connections between cognition and reality.

The funded projects range from investigating the effects of psychedelics on anxiety about death to employing virtual reality (VR) therapy to alleviate distress at the end of life. Other notable areas of study include mindfulness applications in educational environments, autonomous play, and innovative approaches to addressing body image issues.

Past Funding Cohorts

• - 2023 Cohort: Included 11 projects, exploring topics such as the impact of psychedelics on death anxiety, breathwork for trauma recovery, and interventions aimed at reducing racial bias between police and Black communities.
• - 2024 Cohort: Focused on 12 projects addressing narrative identity in minority youth, VR therapy for end-of-life distress, and novel emotion regulation techniques, among others.
• - 2025 Cohort: Currently funding 12 projects that delve into the experiences of adolescents, investigating interventions like psilocybin therapy for grief and interventions targeting anxiety and social connection among youth.

The foundation’s commitment to fostering rigorous, empirical research is evident in its thorough evaluation process. All proposals undergo a meticulous two-stage, double-blind review to ensure fairness and quality.

Commitment to Global Research

“This next round signifies another stride toward building a global interdisciplinary community in the science of perception,” stated Dr. Christof Koch, Chief Scientist at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. His remarks underscore the foundation's dedication to supporting rigorous neuroscience and psychology-based interventions that enlighten and empower individuals in navigating their experiences.

The 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines key timelines for the application process:

• - Sept 2, 2025: LOI opens
• - Oct 7, 2025: LOI closes
• - Dec 22, 2025: Selected LOIs notified
• - March 2, 2026: Full proposals due
• - June 2026: Funding decisions announced

Grants are available to qualified non-profit academic and research institutions globally, with the foundation prioritizing proposals that extend the understanding of the Perception Box through neuroscience, psychology, or interdisciplinary methodologies.

Exploring Future Possibilities

Looking ahead, Elizabeth R. Koch and her team at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation remain committed to transforming the landscape of neuroscience. They aim to deepen our comprehension of how perceptions are formed and can be altered, fostering greater psychological resilience and empathy among individuals.

As the science of perception continues to evolve, the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation stands as a cornerstone for groundbreaking research in the field, inviting researchers worldwide to contribute to this critical dialogue. To learn more about their initiatives or to apply for funding, visit www.tinybluedotfoundation.org.