Emerging Horizon: Uncovering Potential in Studies of Psychedelics
In the rapidly growing field of psychedelic research, there are numerous opportunities for aspiring neuroscientists to contribute and learn. Camilla Strauss, the current Neuroscience Major President of the Princeton Science of Psychedelics Club (PSPC), emphasizes the importance of implementing proper protocols with rigorous scientific validity in this area of study.
One such research project is being conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where they are studying the effects of psilocybin, paired with therapy, on individuals with cocaine-use disorder. Preliminary results show a significant number of participants expressing gratitude for the treatment they received.
The potential applications for psychedelics research extend beyond substance abuse disorders. It is being explored as a possible treatment for mental disorders like PTSD, addiction, depression, and even physical conditions like cluster headaches.
For those interested in getting involved, resources such as the PSPC and the Princeton Neuroscience Network provide valuable opportunities. Students can also search for ongoing clinical trials on platforms like clinicaltrials.gov by using keywords like psilocybin, LSD, or psychedelic.
Aspiring researchers can also connect with research centers like the Center for MINDS (Center for Multidisciplinary Investigation into Novel Discoveries & Solutions), which supports research on psychedelics and other consciousness-altering methods to advance creativity and innovation. Other notable places include the Heifets Lab at Stanford, which studies rapid-acting psychiatric therapies involving ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin, and the UC Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, which investigates how psychedelics affect brain function to develop new treatments for mental health disorders.
Universities conducting related studies, such as Macquarie University’s research on hallucinogens and OCD, may also have labs or principal investigators open to collaborations or opportunities for aspiring researchers.
Securing a research position in psychedelics requires a bit of bravery and perseverance, as it often involves cold emailing potential professors. Camilla Strauss, who has research experience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is optimistic about the potential benefits of psychedelics research.
Camilla Strauss is leading the efforts to make the PSPC more active this year, working hard to bring more attention to the importance of psychedelic research. She believes that this field has the potential to make a significant difference in the treatment of physical and mental illnesses, and encourages everyone to explore the opportunities available in this exciting and rapidly growing area of study.
Science and mental health are intertwined in the burgeoning field of psychedelic research, with potential applications extending to therapies and treatments for various disorders, including PTSD, addiction, depression, and even physical conditions like cluster headaches. Aspiring researchers can connect with research centers like the Center for MINDS and the UC Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, while universities such as Macquarie University and the Heifets Lab at Stanford are also involved in this field. Camilla Strauss, the current Neuroscience Major President of the Princeton Science of Psychedelics Club, is leading efforts to bring more attention to the importance of psychedelic research and believes that this field has the potential to significantly impact treatment for physical and mental illnesses.
