Research for a book. Any good sientific research institutions?

Question

I'm writing a short story that takes place mostly in a scientific research facility. Does anyone know of any good ones? If they tested the paranormal or supernatural that would be great, but I can work with just a normal one.

Answer 1

One of the most famous parapsychology centers in the US is the Rhine Research Center in Durham, NC.  They have been in existence since the 1930's and have performed tests ranging from predicting the roll of dice, to isolation experiments to study telepathy using Ganzfield techniques, to the use of ESP/Zener cards (the circle, triangle, wavy lines, etc.).  You can find their website at the link below.

In addition, there was substantial parapsychology research performed at Princeton at the PEAR Institute.  The researched psychokinesis using computers with random number generators.  They have since concluded their research, but their website is still active.

I have also included a link to a number of research centers around the world.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I don't know about paranormal, but as for general science, CERN is probably the most famous in the world.

http://public.web.cern.ch/Public/Welcome...

Most colleges and universities have numerous research institutes within them.

Answer 3

The God's gave me a book the other day that might be of interest to you.  VISUAL PRECEPTION, by Tom N. Cornsweet.  Copyright 1970.  Here he tells of scientist who research the Visual tract of the human eye-ball.  IF you want to write science-fiction based on fact LOOK to the eye.

Answer 4

One group that regularly tests paranormal stuff is the James Randi Foundation.  They've got a million dollar prize for anyone who can demonstrate any of this sort of thing.  They've had it for quite awhile, and though they've tested lots, they haven't seen anything that's paranormal.

The million buck prize will be discontinued in 2010.  They've got better uses lined up for the cash.