Founded in 1967 by Dr. Ian Stevenson, the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) at the University of Virginia is a research group devoted to the rigorous evaluation of empirical evidence for extraordinary human experiences and capacities.
The primary focus of DOPS is investigating the mind’s relationship to the body and the possibility of consciousness surviving physical death. In general, this process involves studying phenomena that challenge mainstream scientific paradigms regarding the nature of human consciousness.
DOPS also studies the impact of these experiences on people, explores the implications for scientific theory, and disseminates this information to both the public and scientific communities. It is our hope that other scientists join in addressing the serious study of the nature of consciousness and its interaction with the physical world.
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Keep Up With the Latest DOPS News
AS SEEN IN VIDEO:
Drs. Jim Tucker (retired), Bruce Greyson, Kim Penberthy, Edward Kelly, Marieta Pehlivanova
NOT SEEN IN VIDEO:
Drs. Ross Dunseath, David Acunzo, Philip Cozzolino, Marina Weiler
Participate in Our Research
Join our team as a research participant, an academic researcher, or as a volunteer. Discover the opportunities to get involved with DOPS and help us study the nature of consciousness.
News and Media
Millions of views on this UVA Medical Center Hour, highlighting decades of DOPS research. "View More" to check out other presentations, radio programs, podcasts, and articles that include our researchers.
Books by DOPS Faculty
Explore the many books authored and edited by our faculty, including best-sellers and award-winners covering topics such as past-life memories, near-death experiences, and the study of body and mind.
Join millions of viewers and watch this popular panel discussion with DOPS faculty and John Cleese.
Learn about decades of research that suggest the possibility of consciousness surviving death.
Topics: past lives, NDEs, deathbed visions, terminal lucidity, altered states, veridical OBEs, and more!
Episode 1 – NDEs with Dr. Greyson, Episode 6 – PLMs with Dr. Tucker
“In the beginning, it seemed like Nina was just an imaginary friend…”
Are near-death experiences real? Here’s what science has to say.
Psychiatrist studied 1,000 near-death experiences.
Here’s what he discovered.
Dr. Tucker was invited to give a talk on this phenomenon at the 2019 Vail Symposium.
He presents research from the DOPS database, containing thousands of files from around the world.
Extraordinary cases are discussed, as well as details of recent American cases.
