PIPS Director of Research Jason Luoma Named Among Top 2% of Global Researchers
We are thrilled to announce that PIPS Director of Research, Jason Luoma, Ph.D., has been recognized among the top 2% of researchers worldwide in Elsevier's 2024 analysis, placing him among the most influential scientists in his field.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Elsevier Research, a leading research and global technology company, collaborates with universities worldwide to gather and share impactful research discoveries. Based on Elsevier's 2024 analysis, Dr. Luoma was ranked among the top two percent of researchers in his sub-field.
This prestigious recognition is based on publicly available data tracking how frequently researchers' work is cited and utilized by other scholars worldwide. Researchers are grouped by field to ensure fair comparisons, with multiple measures combined to reflect both individual contributions and collaborative work.
Why This Matters for PIPS
As Director of Research at the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science (PIPS), Dr. Luoma’s inclusion in this ranking reflects the scientific rigor and impact of the work happening at our institute every day.
This recognition is built on a foundation of peer-reviewed publications that advance our understanding of psychedelic science, shame, self-criticism, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Many of these publications, several of which we highlighted in our recent 2025 Year in Review, emerged directly from PIPS research initiatives.
Recent Contributions to the Field
Dr. Luoma’s placement among the world's top researchers reflects a sustained record of impactful publications. Just in the past year, his work has advanced critical conversations in psychedelic science:
Understanding psychedelic mechanisms: His research on self-transcendent experiences (led by PIPS postdoc Chwyl et al., BMC Psychology) demonstrated that psychological context predicts mystical experiences far more than substance type alone, underscoring the importance of preparation and intention.
Building ethical standards: His commentary in The American Journal of Bioethics (with LeJeune) and publication in Neuroethics address the critical need for operationalizing ethical touch practices in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Advancing treatment protocols: His case report from the SAMATI trial (Cognitive and Behavioral Practice) demonstrated how exposure-based techniques can be integrated into MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety disorder.
Informing policy: His research on Oregon's emerging psilocybin services workforce (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs) is directly shaping policy development to support a diverse and effective facilitator workforce.
Join Us in Celebrating
Please join the entire PIPS community in congratulating Dr. Luoma on this well-deserved recognition. It reflects not only his individual contributions but also the collaborative spirit that defines our institute.
Learn more about PIPS research at www.pipsinstitute.com
Congratulations, Dr. Luoma—we're proud to have you leading our team!