The Heffter Research Institute is a non-profit scientific organization based in New Mexico, dedicated to promoting high-quality research into classic hallucinogens and related compounds, often referred to as psychedelics. Founded in 1993, the organization's primary focus is understanding the mind and improving the human condition, as well as alleviating suffering. The institute has greatly contributed to research on psilocybin, a psychoactive substance found in certain mushrooms, exploring its potential for treating cancer-related distress, addiction, and its role in spirituality. Over the years, the Heffter Research Institute has been instrumental in the design, review, and funding of leading studies on psilocybin at prominent research institutions in the US and Europe. The institute has been engaged in basic science research into the physiology of brain activity, cognition, and behavior. The organization firmly believes in the unexplored potential of psychedelics that can be unlocked through independently funded scientific research for their best uses in medical treatment. The institute operates on a continuous need for funding to support this critical research. Named in honor of Dr. Arthur Heffter, a German research pharmacologist who was the first scientist to systematically study a naturally occurring hallucinogen, the institute has made significant contributions in the field of psychedelic research. Heffter-affiliated researchers account for 63% of top-cited articles on classic psychedelics since the institute's inception in 1993. The institute maintains a strict policy that none of its grants may be spent on indirect costs at institutions. The Heffter Research Institute has also set rigorous protocols for conducting trials with psilocybin. The organization ensures the safety and efficacy of treatment for all participants by following a meticulous process. This includes screenings for a history of serious mental illness before enrollment, building trust with the study team, and creating an intimate understanding of the participant's psychological history and treatment goals. Psilocybin is administered in a comfortable, home-like setting rather than a clinical laboratory environment, ensuring participants feel at ease during the process.