Elevating the role of set and setting in shaping human experience across diverse contexts
The Set & Setting Collaborative is a multidisciplinary effort within the broader Intentional Spaces Initiative, dedicated to exploring how psychological, social, and environmental factors shape transformative human experiences. Rooted in psychedelic research but extending across healthcare, education, and the arts, the Collaborative supports evidence-based projects that spark clinical innovation, scholarly inquiry, and cultural understanding.
We advance understanding of how set and setting shape human experience through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and creative translation. Our working groups connect scientists, artists, clinicians, and cultural leaders to turn insight into action.
Research & Knowledge
We study how context influences transformation—linking evidence across disciplines and translating science into real-world understanding.
Design & Environment
We explore how environments—physical, sensory, and social—shape human experience. Drawing from evidence-based design and emerging neuroscience, our work bridges research and practice to create spaces that foster connection, creativity, and well-being.
Education & Practice
We share what we learn—through programs, publications, and exchanges that help practitioners bring these ideas to life.ConveningsFrom summits to workshops, we create spaces for collaboration and connection—where ideas evolve, and new partnerships begin.
Storytelling & Amplification
We highlight set and setting work already happening across the field—sharing stories, frameworks, and creative media that inspire collective impact.
The Collaborative was launched in 2022 through the convergence of three pioneering university research projects:
- Johns Hopkins University: Investigating the therapeutic potential of music in psychedelic-assisted treatments.
- McGill University: Exploring personalized music and mindfulness practices tailored to individual needs.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): Examining individual responses to psychedelics, with set and setting as key controlled variables.
Together, these projects anchor the Collaborative’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and evidence-based approaches to understanding how environment, mindset, and context shape human experience.
The Set & Setting Collaborative brings together researchers, clinicians, cultural leaders, artists, educators, and philanthropists to explore how set—our mindset, expectations, and preparation—and setting—our environment, culture, and design—shape transformational human experiences. While these ideas are rooted in psychedelic research, our broader mission is to apply them across diverse fields to amplify well-being, creativity, and connection.
At the center of this work is our Kitchen Cabinet: a trusted leadership group providing clarity, care, and vision. Their lived experiences and professional expertise ensure the Collaborative remains grounded, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Kitchen Cabinet
The Set & Setting Collaborative is still in its early stages, but the path forward is clear: to deepen knowledge, broaden partnerships, and expand applications of set and setting principles across diverse fields.
Expanding Reach
Engaging new partners across healthcare, education, the arts, and community well-being.
Building Evidence
Supporting research and shared frameworks that strengthen the scientific foundation for context-driven approaches.
Amplifying Voices
Elevating stories and lived experiences that bring the science of set and setting to life.
Growing Together
Cultivating a diverse, inclusive community of collaborators committed to shaping environments that foster healing, learning, and human potential.
The Set & Setting Collaborative has been made possible through the generous support of 1440 Foundation, Jeff Walker, Austin Hearst, Matt Harris, and Steve and Genevieve Jurvetson, whose leadership and philanthropy continue to advance the science and practice of set and setting.
The Set & Setting Collaborative is growing, and we invite you to be part of the journey.
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