THE PREMIER GLOBAL PSYCHEDELIC STUDENT TALK CONFERENCE
Register for the 2024 PsychedelX Conference
HERE
Main Sponsor of PsychedelX 2024:
Supported by the Source Research Foundation Community Grant Program
Overview
PsychedelX is a free virtual conference, talk competition, and idea incubator open to + geared toward the general public that features 15-20 minute curated talks from IPN members on any topic related to psychedelics. It launched in 2021 and takes place annually every summer. These talks are accompanied by live Q&A sessions, themed keynote lectures, and professional development panels. Topics last year ranged from replicating the psychedelic state in an artificial neural network to the role of psychedelics in treating postpartum depression. Below are some popular talks from 2023:
Rationale
After decades of stigma, psychedelics are receiving a tremendous level of media attention. During this critical period, effective communication and engagement of novel, well-informed, and diverse ideas will shape how these compounds become integrated in the modern world. History shows us these paradigm shifts are most often led by young people, especially students. However, despite us being a wellspring of creativity, curiosity, and optimism, there are few opportunities for students interested in psychedelics to develop their skills and engage their ideas with the public.
Selection
PsychedelX is a competitive program; ranging from 60-100+ applications each year, where the top 20-30 students and/or youth were selected as speakers. Any IPN member is eligible to apply and applications open in late winter and close in the spring. In 2023, applications were reviewed by our IPN team, with at least 3 team members reviewing each application. Selection was based on the novelty, clarity, uniqueness, and impact of ideas. We are so proud of this year’s cohort and are thrilled to see the culmination of all their hard work in July!
Process
From the beginning, each speaker is paired with a peer mentor and a talk-creation team (2-4 people) so they are always supported by one another. The PsychedelX process allows students to gain experience sharing their ideas with their peers whilst creating a lasting community and professional connections.
- Train and Network. Learn from interactive workshops on effective communication and storytelling while meeting other students (e.g. via Discord and social events).
- Peer Mentor. Receive and provide constructive feedback in small peer mentoring groups led by an experienced talk coach.
- Practice Presentations. Run through several rounds of practice talks before final recording where top scorers present live to the public and a panel of expert judges.
- Build a Lasting Cohort. Engage with your peers after the conference and stay connected to IPN through projects like this one (e.g. as a talk coach next year!)
Impact
Ultimately, we hope that the PsychedelX experience will continue to inspire students to be confident in their next professional steps. In its third year, PsychedelX has “graduated” over 60 students and youth interested in psychedelics who have gone on to pursue graduate degrees, publish research papers, and present at prestigious conferences. Fundamentally, we believe that with encouragement and honest feedback, students can convey their perspectives and ideas in a way that strengthens their sense of purpose and help make the world a better place. We hope the talks shared and connections made at PsychedelX will continue to reverberate in the psychedelics space for years to come.
FULL SCHEDULE
June 20-22, 2024
2024 Speakers
Day 1: Culture, Religion & Media
KEYNOTE: Lorien Chavez
Development and Operations Officer, Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, COO of CommuniTeas, and founder of Integr8al
THE CHACRUNA INSTITUTE: PROMOTING EDUCATION AND CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS AS PSYCHEDELICS GO MAINSTREAM
Bio: Lorien Chavez is the Development and Operations Officer for the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines and Founder of Integr8al. Currently based in New Mexico, Lorien received her Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a focus on Neurology, and a minor in Biology. Passionate about the research and use of sacred plant medicines as a tool for generational epigenetic healing, she has worked to look deeper into how psychedelics may aid in the process of remapping our minds and nervous systems and is eager to do it in a way that remains respectful and celebratory of the traditions these medicines are rooted in. Lorien also holds a Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Integration from Vital, is currently enrolled in Naropa University’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies Certification program, and serves as COO of CommuniTeas.
Abstract: This presentation will provide an overview of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Northern California with strong ties to Brazil and Mexico. We provide public education and facilitate cultural understanding about psychedelic plant medicines, helping propagate academic knowledge in more accessible formats. This talk will invite the public to learn more about our main programs, including: Education; Indigenous Reciprocity; Protection of Sacred Plants and Cultural Traditions; and Psychedelic Justice. Our Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative of the Americas con templates a unique view on decolonizing philanthropy and supports biocultural conservation and the autonomy of 20 Indigenous communities across seven countries in the Americas. Our Psychedelic Justice program highlights—through publications, events, and courses —the voices of women, queer people, Indigenous peoples, people of color, and the Global South in the field of psychedelic science. We will offer insight into our trilogy of books: Psychedelic Justice, Uncovering Women’s Voices, and Queering Psychedelics. Our aim is to raise awareness about globalization’s effect on the protection of sacred plants and their cultural traditions, creating cultural understanding and legitimacy, and engaging in 3 advocacy. We will briefly cover the Ayahuasca Community Guide for the Awareness of Sexual Abuse, the Guide to RFRA and Best Practices for Psychedelic Plant Medicine Churches, as well as the incubation of the organization, Sacred Plant Alliance. We hope that this presentation will help the public understand how Chacruna offers space to foster cultural and political reflections in the field of psychedelic science and that you will join us in this important mission, facilitating conversations on controversial and sometimes difficult topics, as psychedelics go mainstream.
KEYNOTE: Dr. Trace Reddell, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Emergent Digital Practices, University of Denver
BEYOND MOOD MANAGEMENT: THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF SONIC PERSONA IN PSYCHEDELIC MUSIC
Bio: Trace Reddell (PhD) is a writer, artist, and educator. Trace’s first book, The Sound of Things to Come: An Audible History of the Science Fiction Film (U of Minnesota Press, 2018), offers new ways of construing sonic innovation in science fiction cinema. A forthcoming book, The Magic Circle: Sonic Substance in Psychedelic Music (MIT Press, 2025), develops a theory of sonic psychedelia. Trace recently guest co-edited a special issue of Dancecult: Journal of Electronic Dance Music Culture devoted to psychedelia and electronica (Vol. 15, No. 1, Nov. 2023), which included his feature article, “Other Kinds of Mind There: Echologies of Psychedelic Sonic Substance.” Trace is a Professor in the Emergent Digital Practices program at the University of Denver. Website: https://sonicsciencefiction.com/
Abstract: Managing the psychedelic experience by mediating set and setting through music selection is a perennial feature of psychedelic research, therapy sessions and personal practices alike. In this presentation, I consider set and setting in terms of their contributions to a liminal sonic substance that intermingles the properties of each and so releases their combined transformative potential. My work focuses on both psychedelic music production and the act of listening. I put indigenous shamanic practices into conversation with contemporary neuropsychopharmacology and cognition theory to better understand the function of sonic personae in the default mode network. I suggest that sonically and pharmacologically activated non-human agencies sustain the mind-machine-music systems that are characteristic of peak psychedelic experiences.
William Aylward
(RE-)CONCILING DOMAINS: THE CLINIC AND THE CHURCH
Abstract: The scene of psychedelic healing is at odds with a duality between two domains: the
clinic and the church. The reconciliation and mutual integration of these two domains can provide the possibility of a more holistic approach to healing with psychedelics. Despite the possibility of this reconciliation, many remain confused or at odds with how to think about or articulate the possibility of both science and religion being involved in psychedelic healing. Within the past years of development in discourse about psychedelics, parties within each domain have advocated for both exclusivist compartmentalization and for mutual integration of their knowledge, methods, and goals. This polarization is exemplified through a debate in contemporary psychedelic research concerning the inclusion or exclusion of ‘mysticism’ and mystical concepts from psychedelic therapy and research. This talk will analyze this debate and its conclusions to gather insight on what work must be done to assuage the apprehensions from both parties. To then approach the problems presented by the debate, a series of suggestions presented by various authors will be explored. These solutions include ways to increase ontological flexibility in the research and clinical domain to appropriately account for patient experiences, as well as ways to approach spiritual and religious aspects of psychotherapy. To conclude, a prospective framework based on the debate and the variety of positions discussed, will be proposed concerning how to (re)-conciliate the domains of the clinic and the church. Due to the limited scope of research covered in this talk, the framework is mainly focused on guidelines for clinical psychedelic practitioners approaching religiosity in clinical settings. This obviously leaves out questions for how religious psychedelic practitioners should approach potential health and clinical issues in religious or ceremonial settings.
Bio: William Aylward is a future graduate student in the Department of Religions and Cultures at Concordia University in Montreal, where he has recently graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy. William’s M.A Thesis will investigate the reception and influence of Advaita Vedanta in the work of Aldous Huxley. His academic interests include philosophy, mainly epistemology and metaphysics, and religious studies, especially surrounding the influence and reception of Hinduism and Buddhism in the West. The intersections of philosophy, religion, and science have always been an important part of his philosophical reflections. As a person with respect for psychedelics and having grown through and out of his teens during the psychedelic renaissance, William has had an eager and curious eye on many different areas of professional discourse surrounding psychedelics over the past years.
Foxie-Malik Smith-Thompson
SOFT FOCUS: TRANSPERSONAL GROWTH FOR SOCIETY THROUGH CAIM
Abstract: The only constant is change, and the systems and values we live by today often leave little room for profound transpersonal healing and societal growth. Despite our increased knowledge, modern society faces persistent social problems, treating symptoms without addressing the root causes of trauma. This presentation explores how integrating transpersonal disciplines with psychedelic, complementary, alternative, and integrative medicines can foster individual and societal healing. By embracing indigenous traditions alongside modern scientific understanding, we can bridge communities and fields, creating new paradigms that promote holistic and equitable healing. This approach not only transforms personal well-being but also reshapes broader societal structures such as capitalism, religion, and philosophy. We will delve into the historical context of psychedelic medicine, highlighting its roots in indigenous rituals and the resurgence of scientific interest. Personal testimonies and scientific studies will illustrate the potential for psychedelics to treat mental health conditions and facilitate Transpersonal Growth. The presentation will also address the challenges and opportunities in this field. Ultimately, this talk aims to inspire a collaborative effort towards a more holistic and equitable society, leveraging the power of Transpersonal Work with psychedelic and earth-based medicines to heal individuals and transform communities.
Bio: Foxie-Malik is a force of nature—a whirlwind of creativity, resilience, and unyielding advocacy. Born and raised in the colorful chaos of South Los Angeles, Foxie’s journey as a proud queer, non-binary individual is a testament to the power of authenticity. Currently dazzling the academic world as an honors student at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), Foxie transitioned from Long Beach City College (LBCC) with grace and flair. With over a decade of experience strutting their stuff as the fabulous drag queen performer Foxie Adjuia, they’ve turned the stage into a platform for liberation, resilience, and healing. Foxie’s life hasn’t been all sequins and spotlights; they’ve faced significant challenges but emerged stronger and more determined than ever. At the conference, Foxie will ceremonially guide attendees on integrating transpersonal disciplines with psychedelic, complementary, alternative, and integrative medicines, promising an enlightening and entertaining experience. Foxie-Malik continues to shine brightly, using their talents and experiences to inspire and uplift everyone they encounter.
Christian (Jax) Johnson
TRIPPING TEENS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE How Modern Psychedelic Rites-of-Passage Could Create More Resilient Individuals and Coherent Societies
Abstract: Why do teens seek to change their perceptions and consciousness with psychoactive drugs? Is it simply the propensity for risk-taking and thrill-seeking? Is it our biological drive for social connection? Perhaps it is a search for self-transcendence and meaning to find inter-personal identity? Without structured development of healthy identities, unconscious overconsumption of drugs, food, and now social media become common place. When faced with the chaotic and unpredictable modern world, the emergence from childhood into adulthood is challenging at best and shocking for many. When I was a young child, I was oblivious to the local and global human legacies of ecological destruction and indigenous genocide and culturicide. Then as an adolescent I found and ate wild Liberty Cap psilocybin mushrooms and was catapulted into strange and familiar inner landscapes accompanied by ontological epiphanies. I realized the paradox of the human condition: as we hurt the environment and each other, we lose our interconnectivity with nature and community, and gain alienation and despair. How did traditional cultures collectively navigate the constant challenges of raising teenagers into adults? Rites-of-Passage are rituals that facilitate the metaphorical death of the child and the rebirth into adulthood. This process stabilized the healthy interrelationships between an individual’s psyche, the local ecosystem and their society. Conversely, modern societies lack strong connections to the local ecology and each other; such that individual and collective resilience are greatly reduced, and social cohesion and stability are compromised. The pathology of drug consumption replaces the initiation rites common in traditional cultures; and unhealthy identity development of today becomes the adult psychopathological epidemic of tomorrow. As in traditional societies, modern peoples could leverage structured initiations to encourage healthy maturation of children into adults. Modern psychedelic rights-of-passage for teens could create more resilient individuals and greater social cohesion.
Bio: My name is Christian Jacks Johnson. Growing up in the southern foothills of the Olympic Mountains my life has always been connected to forest ecology. My fascination with mushrooms stemmed from a psilocybin mushroom experience as a youth, and I became a lifelong student of mycology and psychology. I formalized this education with a B.A.S degree at The Evergreen State College, where I directed my multidisciplinary education to focus in mycology, chemistry, neurobiology and psychology. My research into the medicinal properties of the Hericium genus of fungi was a culmination of my curiosity for analytical natural products chemistry and mushroom compounds that effect the nervous system. I look forward to continuing my academic career in the psychedelic research space, with a strong interest in eco-therapeutic psychedelic interventions for adolescents. I love to hike and forage wild food, especially truffle hunting with my dog Ari. If you see me on a trail or at a psychedelic conference, make sure to say hi!
Michael Miarecki
ETHER
Abstract: Diethyl ether, or more commonly referred to as just “ether” is a significant compound in the history of pharmacology and recreational drug use, despite its current lack of press. It is known for its hallucinogenic effects which come in the form of sensory and perceptual distortions, as well as providing a feeling of euphoria for users. Originally used for its medical benefits, it later became a cheap alternative to alcohol and therefore a commonly used recreational drug. This presentation will explore the medical applications of ether and debate whether it has a future in the therapeutic, anesthetic, or recreational setting. This includes the unique properties that made it a revolutionary anesthetic in the 19th century, as well as its decline in the advent of safer alternatives. Furthermore, the presentation will discuss the neurological effects of ether, including its effects on neurotransmitter systems and the central nervous system. It will focus on how dosing affects user experience as well as its potential for physical and/or its psychological dependency. Lastly, it will examine the historical impact of ether on Eastern Europe, with an emphasis on the country of Poland. This includes analyzing public opinion, government intervention, and cultural significance. Drawing from the history of this once commonly used substance can give the contemporary psychedelic space valuable insight on cultural trends and influential sociocultural dynamics that surround the drug world. It might even provide the opportunity for recreational drug users to reminisce about what is now, in many cases, an obsolete novelty drug.
Bio: Michael Miarecki is a Polish American student pursuing studies in Statistics and Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida. His involvement with the Students for Sensible Drug Policy organization has equipped him with experience in forming student-led coalitions focused on drug policy reform, harm reduction legislation, and psychedelic research. His interests include the history of psychoactive substance use, psychedelic neuroscience, and global drug policy. Currently, Michael is based in Warsaw, Poland, where he is collaborating with the Polish Drug Policy Network.
David Foust
TOWARDS A UNIFIED PSYCHEDELIC WORLD: HOW PSYCHEDELIC GROUP THEORY CAN BRING WORLD PEACE
Abstract: Thanks to the power of empirical science and the grandly optimistic, psychedelic scientists and healers who have driven this research renaissance, we are now a part of a world where psychedelic therapy is mainstream. Rick Doblin promised that we are heading “towards a world of net-zero trauma by 2070” on stage at last year’s psychedelic science conference. If we really believe that is possible, then we must critically re-evaluate the culture and assumptions of the psychedelic renaissance. There are social and political causes to the meteoric rise in mental illness that need to be addressed, and these are due to the alienating values of a neo-liberal capitalist ideology. Even if psychedelic therapy is embraced by the healthcare industry, it will not bring about a true paradigm shift if it is treated as another resource commodity to be bought and sold. We need to be reminded that psychedelic use ran concomitant with progressive social and political movements of the 1960s, and that to take a psychedelic or advocate for them is an act of civil disobedience. If the renaissance is to live up to the psychedelic values of love, unity, and connection, then we must return to the radical, counter-cultural roots from which psychedelics first emerged. We need a psychedelic revolution, one grounded in radically compassionate political action that will bring forth a new form of social organization, going beyond ideology, and reflecting the healing we’ve received within ourselves. By leveraging the empathogenic ability of psychedelics to dissolve cultural, social, and political boundaries, we can steer research towards psychedelic group therapy to medicate the division between social and political groups. These experiments will serve as the prototype for a new, non-competitive, international, social ritual where we can gather to rediscover authentic, human experience, and facilitate a lasting world peace.
Bio: For my entire academic career, I have been seeking the truth. I have studied physical science, mysticism, and altered states of consciousness in hopes of coming to a clear consensus of objective reality. My permanent focus of study is on psychedelics in order to learn how they can be used as philosophical tools to answer profound existential questions. I received my bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a concentration in physics from the University of Dallas, and now I am pursuing a master’s degree in psychoactive pharmaceutical investigations at the University of Wisconsin. It is my personal goal to study how group psychedelic experiences can be used in international peace-building and how they can help humanity evolve our collective consciousness.
Day 2: STEM
KEYNOTE: Dr. Alex Kwan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Cornell University
PSYCHEDELIC DRUG ACTION ON NEURAL CIRCUITS
Bio: Alex Kwan is an Associate Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. He is broadly interested in the neurobiology of drugs for treating depression. His work has revealed how compounds such as ketamine and psychedelics impact dendrites and cortical microcircuits to enhance neural plasticity. Alex supports open science by posting preprints and sharing data and code for all of the lab’s recent studies. He received a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics at Simon Fraser University in 2003 and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Cornell University in 2009. From 2013 to 2022, he was a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. Outside of the lab, Alex enjoys drinking a good cup of espresso and rock climbing with his kids.
Abstract: Numerous drugs have the ability to alter our perception, cognition, and mood. Some of these compounds, such as ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics, have also shown promise as treatment for mental illnesses. The behavioral effects are often long-lasting, presumably because the drugs act on synapses and dendrites to induce plasticity in the brain. In this talk, I will describe a series of studies from my lab aimed at understanding the mechanism of action of psilocybin, using subcellular-resolution two-photon imaging, in vivo electrophysiology, and other molecular and behavioral approaches in mice. The results provide insights into the drug action of psychedelics on neural circuits.
KEYNOTE : Dr. Claire Foldi, Ph.D.
Laboratory Head and Senior Research Fellow, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
TARGETING COGNITIVE FUNCTION TO TREAT ANOREXIA NERVOSA – INSIGHTS INTO THE EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN IN ANIMAL MODELS
Bio: Dr Claire Foldi leads a program of research focused on the neurobiological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa, including the role of specific neural circuits and cognitive behaviours using the activity-based anorexia (ABA) rat model. The Foldi Lab is also investigating how psilocybin acts in the brain to modify behaviour in order to gain insight into its therapeutic potential for anorexia nervosa with funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia. Dr Foldi co-leads the Workforce Development stream of the Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Centre (AEDRTC), through which she has developed and implemented strategies to expand the capacity and capability of the eating disorders workforce in line with the principles of genuine co-design and co-production of research.
Abstract: Anorexia nervosa (AN) has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder and less than 50% of patients ever recover. Despite this, there are currently no effective medicinal treatments. Psilocybin is currently being explored as a novel therapeutic for AN, and is proposed to act by “breaking down” inflexible patterns of thought and behaviour. To investigate the biological determinants of pathological weight loss, we use a well-established rodent model called activity-based anorexia (ABA), in which unlimited access to a running wheel paired with time-limited access to food precipitates voluntary hyperactivity, voluntary starvation, and rapid body weight loss. In this presentation, I will describe studies investigating the effects of psilocybin on anorectic behaviour in ABA rats and on different cognitive behaviours using novel open-source home-cage operant testing devices (the Feeding Experimental Device 3; FED3) across a range of tasks. I will show how these effects are mediated by signalling through specific serotonin receptor subtypes and highlight a need to understand the mechanistic bases of psychedelics beyond a focus on serotonin 2A receptor function.
Victor Hernandez
PSYCHEDELIC EXPLORATIONS: HARNESSING AI FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
Abstract: Current methods for measuring psychedelic experiences have significant limitations, relying on subjective self-reporting and observer-based assessments. To address these limitations, I propose a novel approach utilizing machine learning tools to model human consciousness and replicate psychedelic experiences. The approach employs spatially embedded recurrent neural networks (RNNs) designed to simulate brain activity and integrate psychedelic effects by modulating node activity. Validation is achieved by comparing the simulated experiences with empirical data from psychedelic research studies. This innovative approach offers several benefits, including more objective and precise measurements, insights into neural mechanisms underlying psychedelic effects, and potential applications in understanding and treating mental health disorders. Moreover, it opens new paths for scientific inquiry and groundbreaking discoveries, paving the way for a deeper understanding of human consciousness and its relationship with the brain.
Bio: Victor Hernandez is a recent graduate in Neuroscience with a Master’s degree, bridging the gap between neuroscience and technology. With experience in both clinical work and research, He is passionate about harnessing computational neuroscience and technological innovations to revolutionize treatment approaches.
Victor is particularly fascinated by the potential of computational neuroscience to unravel the mysteries of brain function and drive the development of novel therapeutic interventions. He is eager to contribute to the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience, leveraging technological advancements to improve patient outcomes and enhance our understanding of the human brain. With a unique blend of clinical and research experience, Victor is thrilled to make a meaningful impact in the neuroscience community, driving innovation and progress at the intersection of brain science and technology.
Thomas Child
2nd GENERATION SYNTHETIC PSYCHEDELICS
Abstract: Synthetic chemistry allows us to explore a near-infinite molecular space. With a variety of chemical agents comes a wide variety of psychedelic experiences. Classic psychedelics are intensely powerful, but they can present dangerous complexities in therapeutic and recreational settings. It stands to reason that there exist psychedelic molecules that allow us to address these challenges while retaining key therapeutic and recreational properties of these substances. A significant obstacle to psychedelic therapy adoption is the trip itself. Notably, the length of the experience, inability to engage in social interactions, and the intensity of the experience will make psychedelic therapy a marathon for providers. There exists a strong societal demand for drugs that offer the same perspective-changing therapeutic powers of classic psychedelics without exerting the same demands as a full classical trip. We will explore this topic with Tabarnanthalog, one of the first “second-generation” psychedelic therapeutic compounds. In preclinical animal work, this ibogaine derivative shows ‘no psychoactivity’ (by HTR) alongside potent anti-addictive properties. However, independent psychonauts have demonstrated present, mild psychoactive effects, compared to “equanimity” or “meditative states.” This highlights the incredible power of chemical, pharmacological, and preclinical methods in developing new psychedelic pharmaceuticals. However, translational challenges remain gigantic, and this presentation proposes the reasonable implementation of an altered Shulgin method – preclinical human testing by experienced psychonauts to assess psychoactivity after biological safety is established.
Bio: Thomas Child is a student at the University of Florida, majoring in Psychology & Neuroscience. He has 2 years of organic chemistry research in the Grenning and Seidel labs, studying sigmatropic re-arrangements and chiral super-acid catalysis respectively. He hopes to pursue research in medicinal chemistry, developing safer and more accessible psychedelic therapeutics.
Outside of research, Thomas works to engage and cultivate psychedelic culture through organizations such as SSDP and Dancesafe. Cultural assumptions and wisdom around drugs can be as informative to the psychedelic experience as the drugs themselves, and it is paramount that our generation takes great steps in building the responsible and knowledgeable drug culture of the future.
Szabolcs (Sabi) Meszaros
EXPLORING THE NEUROLOGICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS’ IMPACT ON SOCIAL COGNITION
Abstract: In a society increasingly characterized by social isolation, examining the intricacies of our social interactions becomes crucial. Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD have been linked to increased emotional empathy (the ability to feel others’ emotions), heightened emotional sensitivity, and a sense of interconnectedness. This presentation delves into the neural processes that may underlie the notable shifts in social cognition observed during psychedelic experiences. By combining recent insights from social neuroscience and psychedelic research, the presentation aims to connect cognitive and neural processes of social cognition to the effects induced by psychedelics. Specific attention is given to the Mirror Neuron System and the intriguing phenomenon of Inter-personal Neural Synchrony to explore their roles in fostering social connections in our everyday lives. I will first describe these two concepts and briefly present the experiments they are based on. Then, building on our current understanding and paradigms in social cognitive neuroscience, I will present my hypothesis on how classical and non-classical psychedelic drugs might influence these processes. Additionally, the presentation considers the potential consequences of altered states of consciousness on elements such as emotional empathy, and the dissolution of ego boundaries. Understanding the neural mechanisms at play is essential for shedding light on the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics in mental health and gaining a deeper understanding of human consciousness.
Bio: Szabolcs (Szabi) Meszaros is a research master student at Maastricht University with a specialization in Cognitive Neuroscience. He is currently working at the Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology department to investigate the effects of LSD on social cognition and behavior. In his master’s thesis, he is analyzing EEG (electroencephalography) data collected simultaneously from two interacting subjects to explore how LSD affects communication between two brains.
Steven Fülle
USING AI IN OBSERVATIONAL PSYCHEDELIC RESEARCH
Abstract: With increasing popularity, education, and destigmatization around the use of psychedelic substances, the amount of people going through their own psychedelic journeys is growing rapidly. An immense wealth of insights as well as challenges is accumulating in the general public, while academics are struggling to keep up the pace, trying to translate the wisdom of the crowd into generalizable and verifiable findings. In this regard, the evolving capabilities and accessibility of artificial intelligence offer a promising avenue to create a new research paradigm that bridges personal narratives of psychedelic experiences with broader theories and patterns on an unprecedented scale, all while maintaining a high level of transparency. The talk will discuss the present manifestations of automation in (psychedelic) research and give an outlook on how the field might benefit from the conscious use of artificial intelligence.
Bio: Steven finished his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Maastricht University with distinction, where he conducted an observational study with Dutch ayahuasca retreat participants under the supervision of Dr. Kim van Oorsouw. Since he moved to Maastricht four years ago, he has been organizing a variety of educational and social events where people have the opportunity to learn psychedelics, altered states of consciousness, and, ultimately, themselves. Currently, he is on a quest to understand the relationship between language and consciousness, which he’s exploring through his current master’s program in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Transpersonal Psychology facilitated by Alef Trust.
Marcus Glennon
TRIPPING THE SWITCH: THE ROLE OF PSYCHEDELICS IN REWRITING ADDICTIVE MEMORIES
Abstract: Addiction is often linked to problematic memory processes related to dysfunctional reward learning. Memory reconsolidation, a process where reactivated memories can be altered, offers a promising therapeutic target. For the past 30 years, research has explored ways to interfere with this memory process to treat disorders such as addiction, PTSD, and phobias, often showing significant benefits. A recent study using ketamine has demonstrated success in reducing alcohol intake by disrupting related memories. Triangulating across this and other pieces of evidence, some have suggested that classical psychedelics may also confer benefits in this context, given their plasticity-inducing effects. This presentation elaborates on this promising intervention and introduces the UNITy (Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines) project at UCL. This project will assess the use of DMT, a short-acting psychedelic, to facilitate a memory reconsolidation intervention to alter harmful alcohol-reward associations in hazardous drinkers. This will be the first psychedelic-assisted memory reconsolidation intervention in humans and could provide a new pathway for treating addiction.
Bio: I am a 2nd year PhD student at University College London studying psychopharmacology and neuroimaging. My research relates to alcohol addiction; specifically, the nature of the maladaptive memories that underly it, how alcohol craving manifests in the brain, and a potential psychedelic-assisted intervention targeting alcohol-related memories. Throughout my career, I hope to assist in the development of evidence-based interventions for addiction as well as policies on harm reduction surrounding drugs.
Day 3: Psychology & Clinical Applications
KEYNOTE: Dr. Roman Palitsky, MDiv, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Emory University
NAVIGATING ADVERSE EVENTS IN PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPIES: CONCEPTUALIZATION, ASSESSMENT, AND PATIENT-CENTERED RESPONSE.
Bio: Roman Palitsky, MDiv, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of Research Projects in Spiritual Health at Emory University, and is faculty in the Emory Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality. His research applies a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to improving behavioral interventions by ensuring that the treatments we offer are responsive to care seekers’ cultural needs and strengths. His work in psychedelic treatment research reflects these commitments by seeking to make psychedelic therapies rigorous, effective, and accountable to the many patient populations who might benefit from them, and to support those care seekers who may experience adverse effects.
Abstract: Psychedelic-assisted therapies have strong promise for improving mental health outcomes. While many benefit from psychedelics, challenges can occur and sometimes persist for extended periods. This discussion will engage the topic of psychedelic-related adverse events by discussing their conceptualization, strategies for assessment, and some approaches for responding to adverse events when they arise. High-need areas for further adverse events research will inform the discussion.
KEYNOTE: Steven Huang
Director of Social Justice, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) | Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, Intercollegiate Psychedelics Network (IPN)
Why The Psychedelic Ecosystem Needs YOU!
Bio: Steven Huang is MAPS’ first Director of Social Justice, helping teams across the organization address the psychedelic ecosystem’s inequality challenges, as well as its opportunity to provide for collective liberation. At MAPS, Steven is focused on bringing psychedelic healing to all, including marginalized communities, while simultaneously honouring the Indigenous cultures from where plant medicines originate. Steven uses psychedelics to better understand one’s innate talents & is consistently inspired by the psychedelic community that has paved the way for a queer, Chinese-American, gender non-conforming activist to join forces with the pioneers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. He serves on IPN’s team as our Strategic Partnerships Coordinator!
KEYNOTE: Uma R. Chatterjee, M.S., MHPS
Neuroscience Ph.D Student, UW-Madison I Director of Strategy, IntercollegiatePsychedelics Network (IPN) | Board Member, OCD Wisconsin & Society for Neuroscience - Upper Midwest Chapter | Advocate, International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
The PsychedelX Journey, with 2022’s Winner: From PsychedelX talk to independent research project & beyond!
Bio: Uma R. Chatterjee, M.S., MHPS is a neuroscientist, science communicator, & mental health advocate. She’s currently a Neuroscience Ph.D student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying the neurobiology of OCD & novel therapeutics in Dr. Michael Cahill’s lab. Following her winning of PsychedelX 2022, she’s conducted award-winning psychedelic research, bringing together her multidisciplinary background to study the effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy on comorbid OCD & PTSD across several disciplines. Her survivorship of OCD, PTSD, cancer, & chronic illnesses serves as the bedrock of her advocacy, carried out through her work as a globally invited public speaker, science communicator, & host of the podcast A Chat with Uma. Uma serves on IPN’s board as Director of Strategy!
Alex Giarretta
PSILOCYBIN, NEUROPLASTICITY, AND TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A NOVEL HYPOTHETICAL CLINICAL TRIAL
Abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disease characterized by 2 or more weeks of low mood and enjoyment. The current standard of care for depression involves the administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 30% of MDD patients present with what is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a type of depression that renders them incapable of adequately benefitting from at least one antidepressant trial of adequate dose and duration. It is estimated that 30% of those with TRD have attempted suicide, and data shows that a single failed suicide attempt will likely be followed by further attempts on one’s life. Without adequate treatment, millions of Americans are left to grapple with mental struggles that may eventually culminate in the loss of a life. If current treatment options (such as SSRIs) are not effective in mitigating TRD symptoms, it is necessary to explore other methods of care that have not been adequately considered. In depressed patients, the brain’s default mode network presents with increased functional interconnectivity alongside dysfunction of the Executive and Salience networks. Administration of psilocybin has been found to increase global network integration, and decrease DMN interconnectivity, both of which have been correlated with a decrease in depressive symptom severity. Through decreasing interconnectivity in the DMN and increasing interconnectivity between the DMN and EN and SN, psilocybin may be able to induce a neuroplastic effect that allows for patients to “rewire” their brains, making them more receptive to therapeutic intervention. My presentation revolves around creating a hypothetical clinical trial that will employ a novel study design in an attempt to curb unblinding that is prevalent among similar trials, as well as bolster current knowledge surrounding different doses of psilocybin and their respective effects on various neuroplastic biomarkers and the severity of depressive symptoms.
Bio: I am a PharmD candidate currently attending Rutgers University who is interested in psychedelic research and the untapped therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. My primary interests lie in neuropsychopharmacology, and I have assisted with lab work focused on stress responses in mice and their impact on the physiological structure of their brains. My hope upon receiving my PharmD is to find a place where I can combine my knowledge of treating patients with my passion for psychedelic therapy, enabling me to work on the frontlines of the freshly-emerging psychedelic medical landscape!
Daniel Olivier
MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION: RESEARCH-TO-DATE AND POTENTIAL INSIGHTS
Abstract: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a major public health issue, as 14.5 million individuals above the age of 12 struggle with AUD (SAMHSA, 2019). In spite of 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and the existence of gold standard treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 42.9% of individuals who receive treatment for AUD will experience relapse (Moos & Moos, 2006). Moreover, co-occurence with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and exposure to early traumatic experiences is considered to be a significant risk factor in the development of AUD (Najavits et al., 2022). Recent evidence suggests that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) results in significantly higher rates of sustained remission in comparison to standard psychological and pharmacological interventions (Mitchell et al., 2021). Given that PTSD and AUD may share mechanisms of intrinsic vulnerability (Maria-Rios & Morrow, 2020), there is novel interest in the potential efficacy of MDMA-AT in treating AUD. Additionally, some psychedelic-assisted therapies (i.e., psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD]) have exhibited varied but encouraging results in the treatment of AUD (Fuentes et al., 2020; van der Meer et al., 2023). In light of this, we examine existing research in conjunction with preliminary evidence from clinical trials of MDMA-AT to explore its potential benefits in regards to the treatment of AUD.
Bio: Originally from Colorado, Dan Oliver studied Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, and Music at Rutgers University where he was one of the founding members of the Rutgers Psychedelic Society. He previously worked as a research assistant at the Rutgers-Princeton Center for Computational Cognitive Neuro-Psychiatry (CCNP), as a crisis counselor on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through CONTACT of Mercer County, and presently works on brain-computer-interaction research at Meta. Outside of his interests in psychedelic research and drug policy, Dan deeply enjoys playing the cello, rock climbing, and backpacking in the Rockies.
Luke Johnson
PSYCHEDELICS AND BELIEF CHANGE: CURRENT UNDERSTANDINGS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Abstract: Beliefs are an integral part of human cognition. What we believe about ourselves, our life circumstances, our environment, the people in our lives, and our general reality shapes our perception and behavior. Psychedelics are known for producing profound subjective effects that are conducive to therapeutic benefits and clinical improvements for various psychiatric disorders as well as psychological improvement for people without psychiatric diagnoses. Given the prevalence of psychedelic experiences reported to have had profound spiritual, mystical, and metaphysical characteristics, often accompanied by lasting changes in perspective, it appears crucial that we understand how psychedelics affect beliefs. The Relaxed Belief Under Psychedelics (REBUS) model of psychedelic action provides a great starting point for the development of further research on this topic. At its core, REBUS suggests that cognition becomes less constrained by deeply held beliefs under the influence of psychedelics, allowing people to perceive things differently and even revise their beliefs. The recently developed RElaxed Beliefs-Questionnaire (REB-Q), which is based on the REBUS model, should prove useful in empirically developing this line of research for psychotherapeutic contexts. Beyond this, the opportunities for progress in developing our neuroscientific understanding of beliefs and belief change are vast. Given the influence that classical psychedelics have on these processes, further research, especially experimental and controlled research to assess psychedelics’ influences on belief is crucial if we are to advance our understanding of both psychedelic effects and the neuroscience of belief.
Bio: Luke Johnson graduated from the University of Chicago in 2023 with a BA in Neuroscience. Luke’s interest in psychedelic neuropharmacology was a major influence in his pursuit of a degree in Neuroscience. In 2020, he joined IPN and has remained involved ever since. Now a member of its board, Luke co-founded the psychedelic research startup Psynautics with Conor Murray in 2020. In 2021 he served on the board of Decriminalize Nature Grand Rapids as the group sought to decriminalize psychedelics in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently, Luke works as the Operations Director for the Cognitive Immunology Research Director, volunteers for Crisis Support Text Line, and manages the IPN Blog.
Lianna Tullis-Robinson
WHERE MY PEOPLE AT? THE ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO OPTIMIZE PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR BIPOC FOLX
Abstract: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has been shown to be efficacious in reducing symptoms of psychological distress (Hendricks et al., 2015; Mason, Dulders & Kuypers, 2020), treatment-resistant depression (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018; Nygart et al., 2022; Patra, 2016; Watts et al., 2017), and post-traumatic-stress disorder (Ching et al., 2022b; Smith et al., 2022), in addition to mental health challenges which explicitly impact people of color, such as racial stress and race-based trauma (Ching et al., 2022a; Davis et al., 2021; Halstead et al., 2021; Williams et al., 2021). However, BIPOC folx are highly underrepresented across psychedelic science and research (George et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2022), showcasing an ignorance towards the BIPOC community’s cultural and ancestral histories that have shaped the success and scientific progress of psychedelic research by way of Westernized standards of scientific inquiry. To not exacerbate already present engagement disparities in traditional psychotherapy, an investigation into BIPOC perceptions of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is necessary to uphold our professional and ethical responsibilities to serve and support this population.
Bio: Lianna Tullis-Robinson, MA, DTLLP is a fourth-year graduate student in the Doctor of Philosophy program in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University. She is the first doctoral student at Western Michigan University to pursue research in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Lianna is completing her dissertation on BIPOC Perceptions of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. She is also the founder and leader for a local community group, Excited About Entheogens. Lianna is highly inspired and motivated to normalize well-being and mental health hygiene for BIPOC folx and to encourage the education and exploration of their options for optimal mental health treatment, including the integration of psychedelic and plant medicines into traditional psychotherapy.
Aidan Kunju
DOCTOR’S ORDER: EGO DEATH (HOW MEDICINE SHOULD BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN NEUROBIOLOGY AND SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE IN PSYCHEDELICS)
Abstract: TBA
Bio: Aidan is a 2nd year medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine who is interested in the practical applications of psychedelic therapies in neurology and psychiatry. He is enthusiastic about the medical humanities, which exposed him to anthropological research into the indigenous uses of entheogens.
Minda Bohling
MODELLING HALLUCINATIONS USING NITROUS OXIDE: IMPLICATIONS AND POTENTIAL
Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a substance that is rarely used in research into mind altering substances despite the numerous similarities its effects have to classic psychedelics. N2O inhalation causes profound perceptual disturbances such as hallucinations as well as experiences of ego dissolution. There is also preliminary evidence of its therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression. N2O blocks the functioning of NMDA receptors which makes it an appealing substance to use in probing the NMDA receptor hypofunction model of hallucinations. NMDA receptors have also been suggested to be involved in predictive processing. Predictive processing is a theory proposing that our brains make predictions based on prior experiences and sensory information which are combined to form our perception. Research has found that individuals with hallucinations rely more on their prior experiences compared to incoming sensory information which may explain the cause of their hallucinations. We employed N2O in a conditioned hallucination task to bridge the gap between the biological and the cognitive theory of hallucinations. In my talk I will discuss our findings as well as their real-world implications for new treatments and for predicting transition to psychosis. The talk concludes by highlighting the potential that N2O offers for psychedelic research.
Bio: I have recently completed a Master’s degree at King’s College London in psychiatric research after completing a Bachelor’s in forensic psychology. I am originally from Finland but have settled into London and love it here! I first became interested in psychedelics through hearing about friends’ experiences which sparked a deep fascination with the effects of drugs and placebo effects on the brain. My own experiences with different medications have eventually broadened my interests into psychopharmacology in general as well. In the near future I hope to find a research assistant role studying the effects of drugs on the brain and eventually do a PhD on the topic. In my free time I love reading books, listening to podcasts and going out to eat!
Zach Daily
MOVING PAST THE CURRENT PARADIGM OF PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT
Abstract: Psychedelics, notably psilocybin, have demonstrated efficacy in treating substance use disorders (SUD). However, current psychedelic treatment paradigms often lack the integration of complementary techniques, such as social support, craving regulation, and coping skill training, commonly utilized in other validated psychotherapies for SUD. This gap suggests a potential for enhancing therapeutic outcomes by “turning the dials” on various variables before, during, and after the psychedelic experience. Psychedelics serve not as cures, but as catalysts, lowering the activation energy required for psychological and physiological change. Integrating psychedelics with clinically validated psychotherapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), could amplify and extend their therapeutic effects. Other potential approaches include pre-experience meditation training, in-experience meditation, providing psychotherapy during the drug session itself, or integrating lessons learned during the psychedelic experience into daily life. This presentation will outline the current psychedelic treatment paradigm for SUD, discuss its origins and limitations, and propose potential models for integrating psychedelics with other therapeutic strategies to address unmet needs in SUD treatment. By examining these potential models, this talk aims to highlight opportunities for maximizing the efficacy and durability of psychedelic-assisted therapies for SUD.
Bio: Zachary began his career as an undergraduate researcher at the Center for Healthy Minds in Wisconsin, Madison. Currently, he is a research assistant at the University of Utah’s C-MIIND lab, focusing on studies related to mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorder populations. Additionally, he collaborates with Imperial College London’s DMT research lab, assisting in the phenomenological analysis of extended DMT states.
His current research interests include developing new models of psychedelic therapy for substance use disorders, exploring the connection between contemplative and psychoactive states, and unpacking the phenomenology behind the concept of “mysticism.” Specifically, he aims to understand how integrating mindfulness practices with psychoactive substances could provide profound insights and enhance treatment outcomes.
Outside of his research, Zachary enjoys snowboarding, climbing, and hiking in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. He maintains a meditation practice, enjoys listening to great music, and has an interest in architecture and interior design.
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