OPEN FOUNDATION MISSION
The OPEN Foundation has a mission towards integrating the benefits of psychedelics into science, healthcare, and society. OPEN also operates from a set of core values that act as guiding principles for decision making. On this page, you can learn about our vision, mission, and values.
OUR MISSION
Founded in 2007, the OPEN Foundation is the leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing psychedelic research and therapies in the Netherlands and Europe. We bring together and educate professionals, policymakers, and the public through conferences, trainings and membership programmes, along with conducting and promoting rigorous interdisciplinary research into psychedelics.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where safe, beneficial, and accessible applications of psychedelics are ethically and responsibly integrated into science, healthcare, and society.
OUR VALUES
The OPEN Foundation stands by and operates from the following values that all of us here cherish. We hope these values can act as a source of inspiration for others.
INDEPENDENCE
To remain committed to sovereign action, critical perspective, and without being influenced by commercial agendas or profit motives.
SCIENTIFIC RIGOUR
To apply the highest standards for scientific research based on openness, objectivity and intellectual integrity.
COLLABORATION
To cooperate with other organisations and individuals that share our values towards achieving common goals.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
To involve, draw on, and interconnect all relevant sources of knowledge in the sphere of psychedelic research.
INTEGRITY
To be uncompromising in our commitment to strong ethical and scientific principles in every situation.
HUMANISTIC
To emphasize the subjective nature of the psychedelic experience and its potential for healing and well-being.
The work of the OPEN Foundation is guided by principles of freedom, dignity, equity, openness, connection, sustainability, compassion, and peace.
We unequivocally denounce all forms of racism, discrimination, and violence. We strongly oppose antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any other dehumanising rhetoric or actions, as well as the individuals and institutions that support these. As an organisation, we direct our critique to systems and structures; we do not boycott individuals unless they endorse or enable harm.
We are committed to understanding how psychedelics work and how they can be used to alleviate suffering and enhance wellbeing. We are acutely aware of how the context shapes the way that psychedelics affect us. War, genocide, poverty, racism, and climate change: these all cause and exacerbate mental health problems. Recognising that humans are deeply connected to and dependent on one another and their environment, we are therefore committed to infrastructures for psychedelic care that move beyond systems that exploit and hurt people and natural resources. We aim to support decolonial approaches that respect people’s right to self-determination, protect cultural integrity, and care for the land.
We feel the urgency to care for our living environment and recognise that caring for our planet is inseparable from caring for its inhabitants. We strive to minimise the environmental impact of our events by avoiding disposables and primarily offering plant-based, organic catering. We work with local and ethical suppliers, prioritise low-waste production methods, and choose venues accessible by public transport. We deliberately collaborate only with partners, sponsors, and vendors who align with our values. We prioritise integrity, sustainability, and social responsibility over commercial gain.
We strive to create diverse and inclusive environments by offering sliding-scale ticketing, scholarships, and accessibility support, while actively amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals in our programming. At the same time, we recognize that there’s still room for improvement and remain committed to continuously improving. We welcome your thoughts. Please share any tips, ideas, feedback, or comments via our contact form.
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