Congratulations to the winners of our inaugural list - the Top 25 Emerging Leaders in Psychedelic Research and Modern Theory. The honor highlights individuals who are advancing research in mental health, alternative therapies, and psychedelics globally. These are the trailblazers conducting research and promoting understanding of psychedelics as tools for mental health treatment and personal development.
Dr. Simon Ruffell is a leader in psychedelic research, blending Western science with Indigenous healing. As an MD in psychiatry and PhD expert on ayahuasca and mental health, he heads Onaya Health, driving innovative studies in Amazonian settings. His work on major psychedelic trials, including psilocybin at King's College and ayahuasca analogues at the Psychae Institute, highlights his expertise in both clinical and traditional medicine. Dr. Ruffell's interdisciplinary approach is reshaping our understanding of psychedelic therapies and their potential applications.
Dr. Anthony Bloch is a key leader in Australia's psychedelic research and therapy. As Chair of the Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP), he helped change the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in the country. His leadership in establishing AMAPP, the first peak body for PAT practitioners, is advancing the integration of psychedelic practices into legitimate therapeutic settings. By creating professional standards and advocating for practitioners, Dr. Bloch is paving the way for the responsible development of PAT in Australia's healthcare system, with potential global influence.
Dr. Leor Roseman is a Senior Lecturer and Psychedelic Researcher focused on how psychedelics alter consciousness and foster social connection. His interdisciplinary research uses fMRI, ethnography, and other methods to explore the therapeutic and communal effects of psychedelics. Dr. Roseman previously worked at Imperial College London with pioneers Prof. Robin Carhart-Harris and Prof. David Nutt. He leads innovative studies on using psychedelics for peacebuilding, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and his research highlights the potential of psychedelics to enhance collective well-being and promote reconciliation. Dr. Roseman’s work bridges scientific inquiry and social change.
Rosalind McAlpine is a Ph.D. candidate and emerging leader in psychedelic research, focusing on preparation and the "set and setting" for plant medicine journeys. Her work bridges naturalistic use and clinical research, exploring how environment and mindset influence the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Collaborating with institutions like the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit and the Harvard Meditation Research Group, Rosalind leads research on the neural effects of 5-MeO-DMT and develops meditation-based interventions for psilocybin therapy. Her contributions are shaping how psychedelics are safely integrated into mental health practices, advancing the field's understanding of their therapeutic potential.
Dr. Jon Dean is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UC San Diego, specializing in non-opioidergic pain relief. With a Ph.D. in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan, his research explores the neural and molecular mechanisms of pain relief through meditation and psychoactive substances like DMT. Dr. Dean's work is critical in addressing the opioid crisis by investigating alternative, non-addictive pain management strategies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges neuroscience, psychology, and physiology, positioning him as a key figure in advancing safer, holistic treatments for pain relief.
Jules Evans is the founder and director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project, focusing on ethics, harm reduction, and the integration of psychedelic use. A pioneer in studying long-term adverse effects, his work addresses the challenges that can arise from psychedelic experiences. In a 2023 study, Evans collected data from 608 participants reporting extended difficulties after using psychedelics, highlighting the need for harm reduction strategies. His research contributes to safer therapeutic approaches and a more nuanced understanding of psychedelics, establishing him as a key figure in psychedelic ethics and risk management.
Rebekah Senanayake is a cultural psychologist and PhD candidate in Cultural Anthropology, specializing in traditional knowledge systems and altered states of consciousness within Amazonian communities. With over 8 years of experience in the Amazon Rainforest, her work offers key insights into health, plant botany, and the preservation of traditional knowledge. Holding advanced degrees in cross-cultural psychology and anthropology, Rebekah has lectured, published widely, and earned numerous grants. As the Founder of the Student Association of Psychedelic Investigation, she explores the role of altered states in human evolution, bridging traditional practices with modern scientific research.
Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley is a neuroscientist specializing in cannabis, cannabinoids, and psychedelics, with a focus on women’s biology in psychedelic-assisted therapy. As the founder of Hystelica, she leads a community dedicated to safe, effective psychedelic use for women. As Research Director of the Heroic Hearts Project, Dr. Blest-Hopley develops evidence-based treatments for veterans facing trauma-related mental health challenges. Her leadership in research and advocacy promotes tailored, gender-specific approaches to psychedelic therapy. Through her work, she is shaping the future of mental health treatment, emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and innovative therapeutic options.
Dr. Rayyan Zafar, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Imperial College London's Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, leading groundbreaking research on psychedelics for addiction treatment. As the lead on the PsiloGambling study, he explored psychedelic therapy for gambling disorder and collaborated with experts like Prof. David Nutt. Dr. Zafar also serves as a Senior Research Officer at Drug Science, contributing to policy reports on medical cannabis and psychedelics. His work bridges scientific research and policy, advancing evidence-based approaches to addiction therapy and solidifying his role as an emerging leader in the field.
Dr. Ben Rein, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist known for his research on the neurobiology of social interactions, with 19 published papers on topics like empathy, autism, and social behavior. At Stanford, he led a study on MDMA's impact on empathy, earning honors from the NIH and other prestigious organizations. Beyond research, Dr. Rein is a science communicator with over 1 million social media followers, creating educational content that has reached 60 million+ viewers. As Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, he also consults for over 35 companies, making him a prominent figure in neuroscience and public education. *Ben is also a sitting advisory board member to Webdelics
Dr. Alex Kwan is an Associate Professor at Cornell University’s Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and an emerging leader in psychiatric drug research. He specializes in the mechanisms of compounds like ketamine, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT, exploring their effects on the brain. Supported by NIH and One Mind grants, Dr. Kwan’s research focuses on synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation, aiming to develop innovative treatments for mental health disorders. With a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell and a background in neurobiology, Dr. Kwan’s work is transforming our understanding of psychiatric therapeutics and their clinical applications.
Dr. Bianca Sebben, Ph.D., is a psychologist specializing in Indigenous psychology and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. With expertise in trauma-focused therapy, she is an accredited EMDR practitioner and a Board-Approved Supervisor (STAP). As Co-chair of the AAPi Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Interest Group and Co-director of Indigenous Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (IPAT), Dr. Sebben develops culturally safe protocols for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work focuses on complex PTSD, dissociative disorders, and substance abuse, promoting harm minimization and integration in psychedelic therapy. Dr. Sebben is a leading voice in merging cultural sensitivity with innovative mental health treatments. *Bianca is also a sitting advisory board member to Webdelics.
Dr. Boris Heifets is an assistant professor in Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine at Stanford, with a background in neuroscience from Yale and an M.D./Ph.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His research focuses on rapid-acting treatments for psychiatric diseases, including ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin, and their integration into perioperative care. Known for uncovering MDMA's prosocial effects in mice and leading a ketamine trial in anesthetized patients, Dr. Heifets bridges neuroscience and clinical practice. His work is shaping the use of psychedelics in psychiatric and perioperative medicine, marking him as a leader in the field.
Dr. Lindsay Cameron, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University, working in the Malenka and Deisseroth labs, where she studies the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for neuropsychiatric disorders. She completed her Ph.D. at UC Davis, focusing on psychedelics and novel analogs for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Known for her work on "non-psychedelic psychedelics," Dr. Cameron combines drug design and neuroscience to explore innovative treatments. A passionate science communicator and advocate for diversity in academia, she is emerging as a leader in psychedelic research and mental health treatment.
Katrin Peller is a Junior Group Leader at the University of Zurich and a Visiting Assistant Professor at Yale University, specializing in psychedelic research. With a background in Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology, her work explores the neurobiological effects of substances like cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and psychedelics on self-perception and social cognition. Supported by an SNSF PostDoc fellowship, she has conducted research at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging and Yale University. Her innovative approach to understanding the therapeutic potential of psychedelics positions her as an emerging leader in the field.
Marcus Glennon is a PhD candidate at University College London, working in the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (CPU) on the Understanding the Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines (UNITy) project. With a background in psychology and neuroscience, his work primarily focuses on how psychedelics affect memory, and how these effects may be harnessed to treat memory-based disorders such as addiction. His work is currently focused on DMT and, beyond its effects on memory, how it affects the brain, long-term wellbeing, and inner speech.Marcus also collaborates with researchers in the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences at King's College London, working on optimizing designs in psychedelic studies and trials. Beyond psychedelic science, Marcus' research also aims to shed light on how addiction looks in the brain from an fMRI perspective and potential preventative interventions for alcohol-induced hangovers. *Marcus is also a sitting advisory board member to Webdelics
Dr. Margaret Ross is a leading clinical psychologist at St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, specializing in Psychosocial Cancer Care and Palliative Medicine. A pioneer in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, she led Australia’s first psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy trial for depression and anxiety in life-threatening illnesses. Dr. Ross is internationally recognized for her innovative work in addressing end-of-life distress, earning her a place among Psychedelics.com’s "Most Influential People in Psychedelics."With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ross blends clinical care and research, training clinicians globally in psilocybin therapy and contributing to trials on treatment-resistant depression, anorexia, and addiction. Her dedication to advancing the field, alongside her clinical expertise and ability to secure groundbreaking research approvals, positions her as a leading figure in emerging psychedelic therapies.
Dr. Matthew X. Lowe is the Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Unlimited Sciences and Director of Research for the Realm of Caring Foundation. With over 15 years of experience, he has conducted research on brain function, behavior, and mental health, focusing on cannabis, psychedelics, and natural medicines. A former research scientist at MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, he is a passionate advocate for evidence-based research. Dr. Lowe is also a Principal Investigator on cannabis and psychedelic studies and serves as a Scientific Advisor and Lead Educator for the Oregon Psychedelic Institute.
Dr. Pascal Michael is a neuroscientist specializing in the connection between neuropharmacological and mystical experiences, particularly exploring the parallels between DMT and near-death experiences (NDEs). With a BSc in Neuroscience from Aberdeen University, an MSc from University College London, and a PhD from the University of Greenwich, his research hypothesizes that NDEs are neurally generated psychedelic episodes. Pascal’s work delves into the shared neural correlates of DMT and NDEs, contributing to our understanding of altered states of consciousness. He has presented his findings at major conferences and received the Schmeidler Outstanding Student Award in 2020.
Dr. Sam Gandy, Ph.D., is an ecological scientist focused on the intersection of sustainability and psychedelic research. With a BSc in Physical Geography, an MRes in Entomology, and a Ph.D. in Ecological Science, he has extensive experience in ecological restoration across diverse ecosystems. Dr. Gandy collaborates with Imperial College London's Centre for Psychedelic Research, studying how psychedelics can enhance nature connectedness and promote ecological awareness. His work emphasizes sustainable harvesting of plant-based psychedelics and the protection of natural habitats. Dr. Gandy is an emerging leader in ecological science and psychedelic research, advocating for holistic, sustainable practices.
Dr. Manesh Girn is a postdoctoral neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he investigates the brain mechanisms underlying psychedelics and their transformative effects on mental health. Collaborating closely with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and international leaders in psychedelic science, Dr. Girn completed his PhD in Neuroscience at McGill University, focusing on brain imaging of the default-mode network and its role in cognition and the psychedelic experience. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications on topics including psychedelics, meditation, brain networks, and mental health. As Scientific Director at The Center for Minds, Dr. Girn explores the potential of psychedelics to enhance creativity. Through his platform, The Psychedelic Scientist, he shares cutting-edge research to promote scientific literacy and advance clinical applications for personal transformation and well-being. Dr. Girn's innovative research, prolific publication record, and dedication to public education position him as someone to watch as an emerging leader in the field of psychedelic research.
Anne Katrin Schlag is the interim CEO of Drug Science and a leading expert in drug policy and regulation. With expertise in medical cannabis, psychedelics, and psychology, she advocates for evidence-based approaches to drug regulation. Her work focuses on risk perception and communication, aiming to enhance public understanding of drug science and its societal implications. In addition to her research on drug use, Anne Katrin has explored complex scientific topics like GM foods and aquaculture. Her leadership at Drug Science positions her as an emerging leader, shaping the future of drug policy through informed, science-driven discussions.
Dr. Erika Dyck is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in the History of Health & Social Justice, specializing in the intersection of health, social justice, and psychedelics. Her interdisciplinary research spans the social sciences, humanities, and medical fields, with a focus on the transformative potential of plant medicines. She has authored influential books, including Psychedelic Psychiatry and Managing Madness, which won the Canadian Historical Association Prize. Dr. Dyck's work emphasizes the historical context of psychiatry and social justice, positioning her as a key figure in advancing discussions on healthcare reform and the role of psychedelics in societal change.
Dr. Jennifer Mitchell is a Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry at UCSF and the Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Her research focuses on developing novel therapeutics for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, integrating psychology, neuroanatomy, and behavioral pharmacology. Dr. Mitchell is a leader in pioneering psychedelic therapies, including MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression. As part of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics and UCSF Neuroscape, her translational research is shaping the future of mental health treatment, making her a prominent figure in psychiatric research.
Dr. Nicolas Langlitz, Ph.D., is an anthropologist and historian of science specializing in the behavioral sciences, exploring humanity's unique position as "moralistic apes." Trained as a physician at Freie Universität Berlin, Dr. Langlitz shifted his focus from biological psychiatry to cultural anthropology and the history of science. He is the author of Neuropsychedelia and Chimpanzee Culture Wars, which examine the evolution of neuroscience and primatology. As head of the Psychedelic Humanities Lab and Associate Professor at the New School, he brings an interdisciplinary lens to the study of human life, positioning him as a leader in philosophical and scientific inquiry.
