Organising Committee 2026
Robert Schoevers - Director
Psychiatrist and researcher, currently head of Dept. of Psychiatry UMCG and Director of interdisciplinary BCN Research School at the RijksUniversiteit Groningen. Active in oral esketamine and psilocybin studies for patients with treatment resistant depression. Interested in both the clinical potential and mechanisms of action of psychedelic substances in mental disorder, surrounded by a rapidly growing group of enthusiastic, hard working and motivated junior and senior researchers. Skeptical about hypes, and at the same time curious about innovation.
Stephan Tap is a PhD student at the University Center of Psychiatry within the University Medical Centre of Groningen. He is the Clinical Trial Manager of PsyPal, a multi-site randomized clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of psilocybin for treating psychological distress in palliative care patients. Stephan has a background in clinical neuropsychology (MSc) and applied psychology (BSc) with a particular interest in the various therapeutic working mechanisms of classic psychedelics from both a neurobiological and psychological perspective.
Claudia Alexa Oosterveld - Chair
I’m a Master’s student in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience Research at the University of Groningen. I’m interested in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying psychedelic therapies such as ketamine, 5-MeO-DMT, and psilocybin. I’m currently part of the PsyPal study, where I examine EEG biomarkers of psilocybin therapy in palliative care patients. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and learning together at the 2026 Summer School of Psychedelic Research!
Michalina Prycka - Treasurer
I am a first-year MSc Medicine student at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen with a keen interest in psychiatry. In 2023, I joined the SSPR as a participant to learn more about how psychedelic substances can aid psychiatric patients in managing their symptoms. Since then, I have been actively involved in organizing the course.
In the future, I would like to pursue a career as a clinical researcher, combining my interests in sex and gender differences in psychiatry with psychedelics research. In my free time, I am passionate about language learning, playing guitar, and bouldering.
Aref Touleimat Ghaloul - Logistics
With a BSc in Psychology from Leiden University and a BA in Creative Business, I am currently completing my MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology, further deepening my commitment to the field of psychedelic therapy. As an aspiring psychedelic therapist, I have been involved with the OPEN Foundation for over 4.5 years and am currently employed as Student Coordinator for ADEPT, a 2-year Psychedelic Therapist Training Program. In my personal life, I’m a massive Beatles, Twenty One Pilots, and Mac Miller fan. I’m also an avid cook, 6-days a week gym goer, a lover of long walks through the forest and enjoy watching Bojack, Better Call Saul, and Mr Robot to name a few!
Emily Iliana Michail - PR & Social media
I’m a PhD student in the Internal Medicine department of UMCG, investigating the pathophysiology of delirium in geriatric patients. I have a background in Psychology (BA) and Molecular Clinical Neuroscience (MRes), as well as a keen interest in psychedelic pharmacology and altered states of consciousness. In the future I’d love to explore a possible career in innovative therapy approaches, such as psychedelic-assisted palliative care.
I’m a huge music fan, particularly obsessing over bands from the 60s and playing the harp, I love reading books and writing, and I never say no to a stage appearance whether that’s performing theatre or improv comedy.
