research paper

A TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH TO WELLBEING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Engaging in creative activities provides an outlet for emotions. Whether it is writing, painting, or playing an instrument, being creative can provide opportunity for musicians and artists to express their feelings, reducing the potential of burnout.

Gavin Lawson

EVA / BCS / Science Open

DOI: 10.14236/ewic/EVA2024.49

research paper

Non-Pharmacological Induction of Altered States: Applying Neural DMTx Data to Calibrate a Multisensory Stimulation Protocol

This research explores a novel non-pharmacological approach to inducing altered states of consciousness through multisensory stimulation, integrating stroboscopic light, spatial audio, data sonification, and haptic feedback.

Gavin Lawson, Professor Carl Hayden Smith, Dr. David Schwartzman Professor Milton Mermikides. 

EVA / BCS / Science Open

DOI: 10.14236/ewic/EVA2025.35

research paper

Beyond Lossy Compression: A Critical Examination of Audio Fidelity in Wellbeing Applications and Streaming Services

The ubiquity of streaming platforms and mobile applications employing lossy compression algorithms raises substantive questions regarding therapeutic applications of music, where subtle acoustic properties may contribute to neurophysiological effects.

Dr Helen Madden, Gavin Lawson, Jeff Bova

EVA / BCS / Science Open

http://dx.doi.org/10.14236/ewic/EVA2026.36

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Stroboscopic Light Stimulation Safety Within and Beyond Laboratory Settings: Observational Evidence and Practical Guidance

Stroboscopic light stimulation (SLS) on closed eyes reliably evokes vivid geometric visual phenomena, and in some contexts, altered‑state experiences, leading to its increasing use across research, public installations, recreational use, and exploratory clinical contexts.

David J. Schwartzman, Trevor Hewitt, Timo T. Schmidt, Josemir W. Sander, Danny Nacker, James Thurbon, Vince Polito, Xaver Funk, Fiona Macpherson, Tom Galea, Gavin Lawson, Jimi Simpson, Romy Beauté, Anil K. Seth.  

https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.17.25340398

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Stroboscopic Light Stimulation in Adults Reporting Depressive Symptoms: Safety, Tolerability, Feasibility, and Active-Comparator Development in a Staged Early-Phase Study

Stroboscopic light stimulation (SLS) is a candidate non-pharmacological light-based intervention that can induce transient visual and affective experiences, with potential application in depression. Clinical development requires safety, tolerability and feasibility data before efficacy testing.

Danny Nacker, Luise Kalus, Anil K. Seth, James M. Stone, Gavin Lawson, Jimi Simpson, Josemir W. Sander, Stephen Bremner, Christopher Jones, Wendy Wood, Fiona Macpherson, Dirk Proeck, Engelbert Winkler, David J. Schwartzman.

https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.17.26355864

research paper

Holotechnica: Exploring the nexus of altered states and altered traits

Holotechnica is the practice of combining different elements and techniques to create lasting transformations of consciousness (altered traits).

"I am very pleased to have contributed to the 'stacks' in this peer review research paper by Carl Hayden Smith, supporting the Holotechnica framework from altered states to lasting altered traits" Gavin Lawson.

Carl Hayden Smith

EVA / BCS / Science Open

DOI: 10.14236/ewic/EVA2024.85

WHERE FLICKER LIGHT AND SOUND MEET ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

A collaboration between Gavin Lawson and Josh Bowe

Using the Roxiva RX1 in realtime to sketch out the experience happening with closed eyes. Developing a series of hand painted images connected through frequency, amplitude and duty cycle.