The Innovators Shaping the Future of Psychedelic Science

The field of psychedelic science and therapy is advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders committed to unlocking the therapeutic potential of these powerful substances. From groundbreaking studies on addiction and mental health to the exploration of cultural, historical, and ecological dimensions, these individuals are shaping how psychedelics are understood and applied in modern medicine and society.

This article highlights the contributions of some of the most influential figures in the field today. Their work spans neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, pharmacology, and policy, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of psychedelic research. Each of them is pushing the boundaries of what is possible, paving the way for innovations in mental health care, scientific inquiry, and ethical practice.

From clinical trials to cultural preservation, advocacy to ecological sustainability, meet the pioneers transforming the landscape of psychedelic science and therapy.

Dr. Alex Kwan is an associate professor at Cornell University specializing in the neuroscience of psychiatric drugs like ketamine and psilocybin. His research focuses on synaptic plasticity and brain function, aiming to develop novel treatments for mental health disorders. With support from organizations like the NIH, Dr. Kwan’s work bridges biomedical engineering and neuropharmacology.

Dr. Amy Reichelt is a neuroscientist specializing in psychedelic drug development and the therapeutic application of psychedelics for neurological and psychiatric disorders. With over 15 years of experience in translational medicine, she bridges the gap between molecular research and its impact on cognition and behavior. Dr. Reichelt has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles in leading scientific journals and is a recognized science communicator, having presented at TEDxSydney and appeared on podcasts and television as an expert in her field.

Dr. Anthony Bloch is a psychiatrist and pioneer in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in Australia. As Chair of the Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP), he has played a key role in establishing professional standards for PAT and advocating for its ethical integration into healthcare. Dr. Bloch’s leadership has positioned AMAPP as a central organization advancing psychedelic therapies in Australia, with potential implications for global practice.

Anne Katrin Schlag is the interim CEO of Drug Science, focusing on evidence-based approaches to drug policy. Her work on medical cannabis and psychedelics emphasizes risk communication and public understanding, contributing to informed regulatory frameworks.

Dr. Ben Rein is a neuroscientist and educator known for his work on the neurobiology of social interactions and empathy. At Stanford, he conducted groundbreaking research on MDMA’s effects on empathy, earning recognition from leading institutions. As a science communicator, he has reached millions of viewers through educational content, while also serving as Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation.

Dr. Bianca Sebben is a psychologist and expert in trauma-focused therapy and Indigenous psychology. As Co-chair of the AAPi Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Interest Group and Co-director of IPAT, she develops culturally informed protocols for psychedelic therapies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work addresses complex PTSD, substance use, and dissociative disorders through innovative, culturally sensitive approaches.

Dr. Boris Heifets is an assistant professor at Stanford specializing in the use of psychedelics in perioperative and psychiatric medicine. He has led studies on ketamine’s effects in anesthetized patients and MDMA’s prosocial impacts, contributing to rapid-acting treatments for mental health conditions. Dr. Heifets’ work bridges neuroscience and clinical care.

Dr. Erika Dyck is a professor specializing in the history of psychedelics and their role in health and social justice. Her research examines the historical context of psychiatry and plant medicine, advancing conversations on healthcare reform and the social implications of psychedelic therapies.

Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley is a neuroscientist focused on women’s health in psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is the founder of Hystelica, a community supporting safe psychedelic use for women, and Research Director at the Heroic Hearts Project, which develops treatments for veterans. Dr. Blest-Hopley’s work emphasizes gender-specific approaches and inclusive practices in psychedelic research and therapy.

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell is a professor at UCSF and a leader in psychedelic research for conditions like PTSD and depression. Her work integrates behavioral pharmacology and neuroanatomy to develop novel therapeutic applications, positioning her as a key figure in the field.

Dr. Jon Dean is a postdoctoral fellow at UC San Diego specializing in non-opioid pain relief through psychoactive substances. With a Ph.D. in Molecular and Integrative Physiology, he investigates the neural mechanisms underlying meditation and psychedelic-induced pain relief. Dr. Dean’s work offers promising alternatives to opioids, addressing critical needs in pain management with a focus on non-addictive therapies.

Dr. Katrin Preller is a junior group leader at the University of Zurich and visiting assistant professor at Yale, researching the neurobiological effects of psychedelics on self-perception and social cognition. Her work explores the therapeutic applications of substances like MDMA and psilocybin, positioning her as a leading figure in psychedelic neuroscience.

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is the founder and clinical director of Cannectd Wellness, where she integrates over 30 years of experience in mental health care to support holistic healing and well-being. Kaplan specializes in trauma-informed care and has developed the Whole Life Plan© (WLP), a signature integrative approach to mental health and empowerment. She collaborates on research, including a study on ketamine-assisted therapy with the University of Miami.

Dr. Leor Roseman is a researcher and lecturer focused on the therapeutic and social potential of psychedelics. At Imperial College London, he worked alongside leading figures in the field to study the neurological and communal effects of these substances. Dr. Roseman now leads research exploring psychedelics as tools for peacebuilding in conflict zones, including the Israeli-Palestinian context. His work blends neuroscience, ethnography, and social psychology to examine how psychedelics can foster collective well-being.

 

Dr. Lindsay Cameron is a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, where she studies novel psychedelics for neuropsychiatric disorders. With expertise in drug design and neuroscience, she focuses on developing “non-psychedelic psychedelics” to treat conditions like PTSD and depression. Dr. Cameron is also an advocate for diversity in academia and an emerging leader in psychedelic science.

Dr. Margaret Ross is a clinical psychologist specializing in palliative care and psychedelics. She led Australia’s first psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for end-of-life anxiety and depression. With two decades of experience, Dr. Ross trains clinicians globally and contributes to research on treatment-resistant depression, establishing herself as a leader in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

Marcus Glennon is a Ph.D. candidate at University College London studying the impact of psychedelics on memory and addiction. His research on DMT and neuroplasticity bridges clinical and naturalistic settings, advancing understanding of psychedelics’ therapeutic potential. He also contributes to optimizing trial designs at King’s College London.

Dr. Matthew Lowe is the Executive Director of Unlimited Sciences, specializing in research on cannabis and psychedelics for mental health. A former researcher at MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, he advocates for evidence-based practices in psychedelic medicine. Dr. Lowe is a principal investigator on numerous studies and a scientific advisor to the Oregon Psychedelic Institute.

Dr. Nicolas Langlitz, Ph.D., is an anthropologist and historian of science exploring the behavioral sciences’ intersection with ethics and culture. As head of the Psychedelic Humanities Lab at the New School, his work examines the philosophical and scientific dimensions of psychedelics and human behavior.

Rebekah Senanayake is a cultural psychologist and Ph.D. candidate in Cultural Anthropology, specializing in traditional Amazonian knowledge systems. With extensive fieldwork in the Amazon Rainforest, she examines how Indigenous practices inform modern understandings of altered states of consciousness. Senanayake is the founder of the Student Association of Psychedelic Investigation and a key advocate for integrating traditional and scientific perspectives in psychedelic research.

Dr. Pascal Michael is a neuroscientist researching the parallels between DMT experiences and near-death experiences. With a Ph.D. from the University of Greenwich, his work focuses on the shared neural mechanisms underlying these phenomena, contributing to the understanding of altered states of consciousness.

Dr. Rayyan Zafar is a postdoctoral fellow at Imperial College London, specializing in the use of psychedelics for addiction treatment. Leading studies like the PsiloGambling project, he investigates the efficacy of psilocybin therapy for gambling disorders. Dr. Zafar also contributes to policy reform through his work with Drug Science, advancing evidence-based approaches in addiction therapy.

Dr. Sam Gandy is an ecological scientist investigating how psychedelics can enhance nature connectedness. Collaborating with Imperial College London, he focuses on sustainable harvesting and ecological restoration, bridging environmental science with psychedelic research to promote sustainable practices.

Dr. Simon Ruffell is a psychiatrist and researcher specializing in the intersection of psychedelic medicine and Indigenous healing practices. As the founder of Onaya Health, he leads research on traditional Amazonian medicine and its integration with modern psychiatric therapies. Dr. Ruffell has contributed to major studies on psilocybin at King’s College London and ayahuasca analogues at the Psychae Institute.

Dr. Manesh Girn is a postdoctoral neuroscientist at UCSF, specializing in the brain mechanisms underlying psychedelics. His research, including over 20 publications, focuses on the default-mode network and the transformative potential of psychedelics for mental health. As Scientific Director at The Center for Minds, he also promotes public education through his platform, The Psychedelic Scientist.