Help us make MD research easier to find, read and share
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is still not widely recognised, and many people live with it for years without a name for their experience. Research is one of the most powerful ways to change that. It helps clinicians understand MD, gives researchers a foundation to build on, and helps people with MD feel seen.
That is why the ISMD has a Research team. This month, we want to show you what we have been working on, and invite you to be part of it.
What the Research team does
A growing library of MD research
Our Publications page brings together published research on maladaptive daydreaming, from peer-reviewed studies to therapy case studies, in one searchable place, and the library keeps growing.
Connecting researchers and students
Our Researcher Directory connects students with established researchers and clinicians working on MD, whether they are looking for collaboration, supervision or mentorship.
Supporting new research
Through our Research Submission page, students and researchers can share their MD studies with us. Our Research Committee reviews each proposal and helps support and promote research that meets our criteria.
You can explore all of this on our Research Hub.
We’re recruiting volunteers!
All of this work is done by volunteers, and we are looking for more people to join our Research team. We have two open roles, and we are welcoming more than one volunteer for each.
Role 1
Research Communications & Newsletter Contributor
Help bring maladaptive daydreaming research to the world
Help turn MD research into writing people actually read. You will co-create a newsletter that reaches publication, share it across platforms, and support the admin that keeps our research work moving.
- Time: Around 10 hours a month or less, depending on the task
- Location: Remote, flexible hours
- Reports to: Head of Research, Dr Wanda Fischera, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher
What you’ll do
- ›Research, draft and edit newsletter articles on MD, from new studies to lived experience and practical strategies
- ›Translate academic findings into clear, accessible and non-pathologising language
- ›Adapt published pieces for social media, the website and email
- ›Help with light research admin, and join occasional online team check-ins
What you’ll gain
- ›Published work with your name on it, giving you a real portfolio
- ›Hands-on experience in research writing, science communication and editing
- ›Insight into the latest MD research, alongside clinicians, researchers and fellow volunteers
- ›A reference for your CV, and room to grow
Who we’re looking for: a psychology student, graduate, assistant psychologist or early-career researcher; a writer, editor or communicator with an interest in mental health; or someone with lived experience of MD who wants to help others understand it. You don’t need to be an expert. We value curiosity, care and reliability over a long CV.
Role 2
Research Dissemination Assistant
Start your research journey with us
Help make MD research easier to find. You will update research abstracts on our website, building an accessible library that people with MD, clinicians and researchers can rely on. This is an introductory role, designed for entry-level graduates and anyone wanting their first experience of research, admin and remote teamwork.
- Time: 60 hours minimum, at a pace that suits you
- Commitment: Minimum 3 months, with the option to extend
- Location: Remote, flexible hours
What you’ll do
- ›Upload and update research abstracts on our website
- ›Check details such as authors, titles, publication dates and links for accuracy
- ›Help organise our research library so studies are easy to search and find
- ›Flag new or missing studies to the team
Full training and clear guidance are provided, so no prior experience is needed.
What you’ll gain
- ›A reference on completion
- ›Practical experience in admin, research dissemination and online teamwork
- ›Knowledge of how studies are structured, and familiarity with the MD literature
- ›A stepping stone into other Research team roles, such as newsletter writing or supporting research projects
Apply now!
If you are a student, recent graduate, or someone interested in psychology, mental health, and research, we would love to hear from you. No previous experience required!
👉 Apply through our volunteer form
You can also see both roles, alongside our other open positions, on our Open Positions page.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of maladaptive daydreaming.