Psychedelic Research 2026

An interdisciplinary research perspective on psychedelics: 6th of July - 10th of July 2026

This interdisciplinary school is a collaboration between the UMCG, OPEN Foundation, and various other universities. Participants with a broad interest in psychedelics and multidisciplinary research methods will be acquainted with the latest developments in the rapidly expanding field of psychedelic research.

This Summer School emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research into psychedelics, and features lecturers who are all actively involved in psychedelic research in their respective academic disciplines. Think: cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry, psychopharmacology and psychology, as well as social sciences, history, religious studies, philosophy, and more…

We will also dive into the practical aspects of psychedelic research, discussing and comparing methodologies, how to design your own study, and how to (not) conduct research!

The school will contain lectures by experts, panels where participants can ask questions to professionals in the field. Participants will form small groups and will prepare a debate together to explore both sides of dilemmas in the field of psychedelic research right now.

Students will get the opportunity to consult with experts on different topics (e.g. experimental designs, clinical trials, qualitative methodologies, etc.) and on the final day, the debate will take place, where students support their case and answer questions from the experts and their fellow students.

Programme 2026

From Monday to Thursday, each day of the program will focus on different aspects of psychedelic research, featuring in-depth insights from leading experts in the field. On Friday, the program will conclude with a group debate.

 The detailed programme of the 2026 edition of the summer school will be published soon!

 Learning outcomes

 After the summer school, you will:

•         Have up-to-date knowledge on the current state of psychedelic research across academic disciplines;

•         Understand different research methodologies, and related challenges, to studying psychedelics;

•         Know about the ins and out of conducting psychedelics research;

•         Gain insights on how to pursue a career in psychedelics;

•         Be able to use scientific evidence to support arguments in a debate.

Application procedure 2026

Are you interested in the rapidly expanding field of psychedelic research? Then join us now! Students from all levels (from Bachelor to Postdocs) and all academic backgrounds are welcome! Limited space.

Apply now by supplying your CV and writing a brief (300-400 words) motivation letter which answers the following questions:

•         Why are you interested in participating in this summer school?

•         What academic field are you currently in?

•         What are your career aspirations? How do psychedelics fit in your career
perspectives?

Scholarships available

Wildcards

We are very happy to announce that the Summer School on Psychedelic Research will offer a grant to two participants who are coming from abroad. This grant will cover 50% of the summer school fee.

 The deadline to apply is April 21st (23:59). The criteria for selection and documents required are the following:

●         Absence of other financial ‘sources’

●         Motivation to participate in Summer School on Psychedelic Research

●         Country of origin

●         CV

●         Letter of recommendation of your Faculty or University

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact our organizing committee through this email address: summerschoolpsychedelics@rug.nl.

Procedure:

After the 21st of April we will select our participants based on their motivations and CVs. Around the 4th of May, participants will be informed about their acceptance.

Cancellation Policy:

-     Participants who cancel more than 4 weeks before the start of the course are liable to pay 15% of the full course fee, unless the Summer School in question decides otherwise.

-     Participants who cancel within 4 weeks before the start of the course are liable to pay the full course fee, unless the Summer School in question decides otherwise.

-     Participants who withdraw during the course are liable to pay the full course fee.

Speakers 2026

The list of speakers will be published soon!

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.