University of Groningen

The University of Groningen, established in 1614, is a prestigious institution that ranks among the world’s top universities. It has taken a pioneering role in the interdisciplinary research of psychedelics, harnessing its rich academic heritage and a forward-looking approach to exploring the potential of psychedelic substances in treating various mental health conditions.

A significant aspect of the University of Groningen’s engagement in psychedelic research is highlighted by its collaboration with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and other international partners. In a groundbreaking move, the European Union awarded over €6.5 million to a consortium, including the University of Groningen, for the PsyPal study. This study marks the first EU-funded clinical trial into psychedelic-assisted therapy, aiming to assess the efficacy of psilocybin therapy in alleviating psychological and existential distress in patients with progressive incurable illnesses such as COPD, MS, ALS (also known as MND), and atypical Parkinson’s disease​​.

Furthermore, the University of Groningen, through its Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN) and in partnership with the OPEN Foundation, organized a Summer School on Psychedelic Research. This event brought together nearly 50 participants from across the globe, offering lectures and interactive sessions on various aspects of psychedelic research, from the adverse effects of psychedelic use to the philosophical implications of psychedelics. The summer school covered a wide range of topics, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, MDMA in PTSD treatment, psychedelics and cognition, and microdosing psychedelics, demonstrating the university’s comprehensive approach to studying psychedelics’ multifaceted impacts​​.

The University of Groningen’s approach is characterized by its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging the gaps between cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry, psychopharmacology, psychology, and beyond. This collaborative ethos extends to its educational initiatives, where it fosters an environment of learning and discovery around the potential benefits and challenges of psychedelic research. Through these efforts, the University of Groningen is at the forefront of exploring psychedelics’ role in mental health, contributing valuable insights and fostering international cooperation in this rapidly evolving field.