The Oregon Institute of Rain Thinking leads global research into how weather patterns, particularly precipitation, shape human thought, creativity, and cultural evolution. Through interdisciplinary studies combining meteorology, neuroscience, and philosophy, we're uncovering the deep connections between atmospheric phenomena and cognitive processes.
Explore Our ResearchFounded in 1978 during an exceptionally rainy Oregon spring, our institute has grown from a small research collective to an internationally recognized center for pluvial cognition studies.
To investigate and elucidate the complex relationships between precipitation patterns and human cognitive processes, and to apply this knowledge toward improving mental health, educational outcomes, and environmental awareness.
Combining meteorology, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and environmental science
Partnerships with 47 research institutions across 22 countries
Educational programs reaching over 10,000 students annually
Institute founded by Dr. Evelyn Storm and Dr. Arthur Pluvius during record Oregon rainfall
Publication of groundbreaking study "Cognitive Patterns in Precipitation-Rich Environments"
Establishment of the International Pluvial Cognition Research Network
Opening of the $47 million Rain Thinking Research Center facility
Development of the Pluvial Cognitive Assessment Toolkit (PCAT)
Launch of global longitudinal study tracking 10,000 participants across climate zones
Our investigations span multiple disciplines, united by the common thread of understanding how precipitation influences and reflects human consciousness.
Examining how rainfall patterns affect brain activity, neurotransmitter levels, and cognitive performance through fMRI and EEG studies conducted during various precipitation conditions.
Investigating the psychological effects of different weather patterns on mood, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal relationships across diverse populations.
Documenting how precipitation patterns have shaped cultural practices, mythologies, linguistic expressions, and architectural traditions across human societies throughout history.
Developing technologies, educational methods, and therapeutic approaches inspired by precipitation phenomena and their cognitive correlates.
Our research findings published in leading scientific journals and academic publications.
This study reveals distinct neural activation patterns when subjects listen to simulated rainfall versus other environmental sounds, suggesting specialized auditory processing for precipitation cues.
Analysis of 50-year data from 142 regions demonstrates significant correlation between precipitation variability and measures of creative output across multiple domains.
Experimental evidence showing that exposure to simulated drizzle conditions improves performance on sustained attention tasks by 18-24% compared to silent conditions.
Our interdisciplinary team brings together experts from diverse fields united by curiosity about precipitation's cognitive dimensions.
Founding Director, Cognitive Meteorology
PhD Atmospheric Sciences, Harvard
Author of "The Mind in the Rain"
Director of Neuropluvial Studies
MD/PhD Neuroscience, Stanford
2024 Nobel Prize Nominee
Head of Cultural Hydrometeorology
PhD Anthropology, UC Berkeley
UNESCO Chair in Weather Cultures
Director of Applied Pluvial Research
PhD Environmental Psychology, Kyoto
Inventor of Pluvial Therapy Method
State-of-the-art laboratories and specialized environments for studying precipitation cognition.
Interested in collaboration, visiting our facilities, or learning more about our research? Reach out to our team.
Dedicated to understanding the profound connections between precipitation patterns and human cognition through rigorous interdisciplinary research.
1742 Pluvial Way, Suite 400
Portland, Oregon 97201
+1 (503) 555-0178
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Tours by appointment only