History

Organization

The Institute for Neuroscience and Consciousness Studies, Inc. (“INACS”) is a 501(c)(3) Texas nonprofit research, education, and membership organization founded by James L. King on August 27, 1990.

Mission Statement

The mission of INACS is to expand the understanding of human consciousness by conducting scientific research and offering educational opportunities to the public.

Early History

Originally incorporated as the Center for the Study of Consciousness, Inc. (“CSC”), in 1990, the founding board consisted of Robert McGarey as president, Harold Puthoff, PhD, as secretary, and Anne Marie Ford, CPA, as treasurer.  Shortly after incorporation, Robert F. Price, PhD, was brought on board as director of research. Dr. Price was later appointed to the board of trustees, where he has held several positions including his current role as president.

During its first few years, CSC was a loose collection of interested friends, none of whom had much experience in the world of business, especially in terms of raising funds or in building a working organization. The group would often meet socially to debate the meaning of life, the Universe, and especially the word “consciousness.” Gradually, however, due to persistence and a growing interest in human consciousness, potential new sources for funding emerged.

On February 11, 1998, the Center for the Study of Consciousness changed its name to the Institute for Neuroscience and Consciousness Studies, Inc., and became a membership organization. These changes permitted the organization to qualify for a license to conduct and receive funds from charitable bingo in Texas under the state’s Bingo Enabling Act. Through the generosity of dedicated friends of INACS, loans for the licensing fees for were made and repaid on time and with interest, making it possible for us to pass the probationary period required by the Texas Lottery Commission. The bingo operation has enabled the organization to receive a stream of income and build a modest “nest egg” of funds, which has provided steady income for operations, and to offer grants to deserving individuals for research and educational projects that conform to the INACS mission.

Current Activities

As funding levels increased, INACS began to reach out to the local “consciousness community”, a significant, if loosely defined, group of people interested in mysteries and anomalies of human consciousness and everyday reality. Persons interested in ideas about human potential, originating as far back as the 1960s, including many people fascinated by the implications of strange paranormal and aerial events such as telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, healing-at-a-distance, as well as alleged visitors believed to originate from other solar systems or other dimensions, have formed special interest groups that serve as platforms for discussions of these odd occurrences. Those with strong interest in remote viewing and astral projection have founded special interest groups to facilitate discussion of their concepts. These groups, which continue to grow and develop, have constituted a willing base of members, supporters, volunteers, and participants in INACS events. Our mailing list now exceeds 800 individuals, and our active membership numbers around 50.

Summary

In the nearly 25 years that INACS has been in existence, the organization has evolved from a loose social group to a viable research and educational membership institution. We are now looking forward to projects that will address the interests of a new generation and the leaders that will make them happen!