3D Research Bureau was first set up in 1989, and was relaunched as 3D Research in 2010. It is an independent research agency based in Liverpool, managed by Dr Russell Newcombe, and supported by a team of sessional and voluntary assistants.

3D Research's main area of expertise is psychoactive drug use, including: (a) controlled, licensed and prescribed drugs; (b) depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens; and (c) drug consumption, and its causes and consequences. More broadly, 3D also conducts research on deviant behaviour in the domains of public order (criminal and anti-social behaviour) and public health (notably mental functioning and sexual activity).