My research examines the association between spiritual and psychic experiences with vegetarianism and fasting. My findings indicate that those who are vegan or vegetarian appear to have more spiritual and paranormal experiences than those who eat meat, and that those who are vegan have more of these experiences than vegetarians. In an experiment comparing the performance of vegetarians with meat-eaters at a precognitive task, vegetarians appear to achieve better results, although not (yet) to a significant extent. (This experiment is ongoing.) 

I am also interested in scientific theories of consciousness. In 2024 I won an international scientific essay-writing prize on this topic and my popular science book based on this work – What is Your Mind? – is due to be published by Imprint Academic in October 2025. 

I have been vegan since 2016. Outside of my research, I am interested in the environmental and ethical aspects of veganism, and I volunteer with Climate Action Ilkley, a local charity that aims to help tackle the climate and ecological crises through projects and awareness-raising. 

 I have a background in software engineering and in professional and managerial roles to support scientific research at the Universities of Manchester, Leeds, and Manchester Metropolitan University.  

Visit michaeldaw.net