Macquarie University

Macquarie University in Australia is actively involved in pioneering research into the use of psychedelics, particularly focusing on their potential to treat mental health issues and enhance cognitive performance. Dr. Vince Polito, a senior lecturer and senior research fellow at the School of Psychological Sciences, leads several of these innovative studies.

One of the key projects involves exploring the effects of psychedelic microdosing on brain function, performance, and mental health. This research aims to understand the neurobiological and physiological impacts of low-dose psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, the active component in “magic mushrooms.” The study, which has received formal ethics approval, employs magnetoencephalography (MEG) to record brain activity and seeks to enroll participants who currently microdose. It’s one of the first neuroimaging studies in the world to assess the impact of these substances independently​​.

Another significant trial at Macquarie University is investigating the effectiveness of regular, tiny doses of a psychedelic drug in treating moderate depression. This world-first clinical trial, initiated in collaboration with Woke Pharmaceuticals, tests a novel low-dose formulation of synthetic psilocybin. It’s designed to determine if these small, sub-hallucinogenic doses can offer an alternative treatment for depression, differing from the traditional use of high doses of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy. The trial highlights the emerging interest in psychedelics as a potential breakthrough in mental health treatment, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to a more rigorous, clinically controlled environment​​.

Dr. Vince Polito’s role in these studies underscores his position as a leading figure in the field of psychedelic research. With a strong background in cognitive science, his work extends to various aspects of altered states of consciousness, including the potential cognitive and emotional benefits of psychedelics. His leadership in conducting one of the largest systematic studies on psilocybin microdosing to date places him among the most influential people in the realm of psychedelics, contributing valuable insights into their therapeutic potential and challenging existing stereotypes around psychedelic use​​.