The Psychical Research and Survival Science Research Foundation (PRSSRF), also known as the Survival Research Foundation, was incorporated in 1971 by author and psychical researcher Susy Smith and attorney Frank C. Tribbe, who was also a prominent leader in the Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship. The foundation’s primary focus is on scientific research into anomalous phenomena that fall outside the conventional scientific disciplines. One of its notable endeavors is in the area of end-of-life care and support.
The foundation has developed protocols to communicate with comatose patients to ascertain their preferences regarding the continuation or withdrawal of life support. Additionally, the foundation promotes a cipher test created by Arthur S. Berger, which aims to alleviate grief during the bereavement process. The foundation’s current president is Arthur Burger, and it is based in Miami, Florida.
History
The Psychical Research Foundation (PRF) has a rich history that spans several decades. Here’s a summary of its journey:
- Establishment at Duke University: The PRF was established in 1961 at Duke University. Its inception was influenced by the personal experiences of William G. Roll, who had out-of-body experiences as a teenager. His interest in parapsychology led him to Oxford University, where he conducted ESP experiments and later joined the Duke Parapsychology Laboratory.
- Focus on Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis (RSPK): In the late 1950s, the PRF began investigating cases of objects moving on their own, attributed to what they termed RSPK. These events were often linked to specific individuals, notably children or teenagers.
- Exploration of Survival After Death: In 1959, a conference at Duke delved into the question of life after death. This was influenced by numerous reports of individuals sensing the impending death of a distant relative or friend.
- Relocation and Expansion: In the mid-1960s, the PRF moved to different locations, including private residences and eventually back to Duke University. During this period, they conducted various experiments, including those with psychics and individuals reporting out-of-body experiences.
- Haunted Houses and Anomalous Fields: The PRF also investigated haunted houses, detecting anomalous magnetic fields in these locations. They collaborated with other researchers, such as Dr. Michael Persinger, to explore the potential physical causes of these paranormal phenomena.
- Move to West Georgia College: In the mid-1980s, the PRF relocated to West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia). Here, they continued their research, focusing on haunted houses, ESP, and the question of survival after death.
- Current State: The PRF remains dedicated to exploring parapsychological phenomena, with a particular emphasis on those events that might shed light on the question of life after death.
Structure and Organization
The Psychical Research and Survival Science Research Foundation (PRSSRF) has a structured organization that has evolved over the years. Here’s a brief overview of its structure and organization:
- Establishment: The PRSSRF was established in 1961 at Duke University. It was initially set up as the Psychical Research Foundation, focusing on scientific research on psychic phenomena.
- Leadership: The PRF’s first research director was William G. Roll. Over the years, various individuals have held leadership positions. For instance, Gaither Pratt served as the President, and Dr. Ian Stevenson joined the Board of Directors.
- Relocation and Expansion: The PRF has moved to different locations over the years. Initially, it was based at Duke University, then moved to private residences, and later returned to Duke. In the mid-1980s, the PRF relocated to West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia).
- Collaborations: The PRF has collaborated with various researchers and institutions. For instance, they worked with Dr. Michael Persinger to explore the potential physical causes of paranormal phenomena. They also collaborated with Dr. Dean Radin and Dr. Michael Persinger on various projects.
- Research Focus: The PRF’s research has spanned various areas, including recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis (RSPK), ESP, haunted houses, and the question of survival after death.
- Affiliations: The PRF has been affiliated with various institutions and organizations. For instance, the Parapsychological Association was founded by Rhine in 1957, and the PRF has had a close association with it.
- Facilities: Over the years, the PRF has had various facilities, including labs, libraries, and offices. For instance, when the PRF moved to West Georgia College, an unused lecture room was converted into the William James Room, named after the renowned American psychologist and psychical researcher.
- Research Associates: The PRF has had various research associates join its ranks. For example, Bryan Williams, a student at the University of New Mexico, joined the PRF as a Research Associate.
- Future Directions: The PRF remains committed to exploring parapsychological phenomena, with a focus on understanding the implications of parapsychology for individuals’ lives, both academically and in day-to-day interactions.
Functions and Operations
The Psychical Research and Survival Science Research Foundation (PRSSRF) plays a pivotal role in the scientific exploration of psychic phenomena. Here’s a concise overview of its functions and operations:
Research and Exploration: The PRSSRF has been at the forefront of conducting scientific research on psychic phenomena, particularly those that might indicate survival after death. This includes studying apparitions, hauntings, mediumship, and out-of-body experiences.
Collaborative Studies: The foundation has collaborated with renowned researchers and institutions. For instance, they worked with Dr. Michael Persinger to understand the potential physical causes of paranormal phenomena. They also partnered with Dr. Dean Radin and Dr. Michael Persinger on various projects.
Educational Initiatives: The PRSSRF has been involved in educating the public and academic community about its findings. This includes lectures, publications, and workshops aimed at broadening understanding of psychic phenomena.
Investigations: The foundation has been actively involved in on-ground investigations of phenomena like recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis (RSPK) and haunted houses. Their approach is both scientific and comprehensive, ensuring that each case is thoroughly examined.
Collaboration with Psychics: The PRSSRF has worked closely with psychics to understand their abilities better. This includes studies with individuals like Sean Harribance and Ingo Swann, aiming to understand the neurological basis of their psychic abilities.
Survival After Death: One of the core areas of interest for the PRSSRF is the question of survival after death. They have delved deep into this topic, exploring mediums, reincarnation cases, and other phenomena that might offer insights into life after death.
Facilities and Infrastructure: Over the years, the PRSSRF has had various facilities, including labs, libraries, and offices, to support its research endeavors.
Publications: The foundation has been active in publishing its findings, ensuring that the scientific community and the public are kept abreast of its latest research.
Impact on Ufology
The Psychical Research and Survival Science Research Foundation (PRSSRF) has primarily focused on the scientific investigation of psychic phenomena, especially those related to the possibility of survival after death. While its main emphasis has been on phenomena such as apparitions, hauntings, mediumship, and out-of-body experiences, the broader field of parapsychology, in which PRSSRF operates, has intersections with Ufology.
Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), often delves into areas that challenge conventional scientific understanding, much like parapsychology. Both fields deal with phenomena that are on the fringes of mainstream science and often face skepticism.
PRSSRF’s rigorous approach to investigating psychic phenomena could have indirect implications for Ufology. By promoting scientific methodologies and standards in the study of the unexplained, organizations like PRSSRF pave the way for a more structured and accepted approach to studying UFOs. Their work underscores the importance of empirical evidence, controlled experiments, and peer review, principles that are crucial for the credibility of Ufology.
Furthermore, as our understanding of consciousness, reality, and the nature of existence deepens through the efforts of organizations like PRSSRF, it could potentially provide new frameworks or perspectives for understanding the UFO phenomena. The interconnectedness of all these fields suggests that advancements in one could lead to insights in another.
Conclusion
The Psychical Research and Survival Science Research Foundation (PRSSRF) is a pioneering institution established in 1961, dedicated to the scientific exploration of psychic phenomena, particularly those suggesting survival after death. Over the years, the foundation has delved into various phenomena such as apparitions, hauntings, mediumship, and out-of-body experiences. With a rich history rooted in rigorous research and collaboration with renowned parapsychologists, the PRSSRF has significantly contributed to the field of parapsychology. While it has faced challenges and controversies, its commitment to empirical investigation and the advancement of knowledge in this realm remains unwavering. The foundation’s work underscores the importance of approaching the unexplained with scientific rigor and open-mindedness.