Psychedelic Science: From Preclinical Studies to Clinical Practice

There is a paucity of treatments for many psychiatric disorders. Classical psychedelic drugs stimulate the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and have shown a good safety profile. Some of these compounds have shown rapid and sustained therapeutic effects in some human clinical trials and they are currently being explored in several clinical trials for various psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, it is still unclear how the molecular and functional mechanisms of the substances relate to these subjective and clinical effects, and how treatments should be designed to optimize cost-effective and lasting effects. The overall aim of this course is to provide an overview of the research front in the field of classical psychedelics - from preclinical studies to clinical practice.

Course content:

• A historical timeline of key events in classical psychedelics science.
• An overview of the current state of research in the field.
• Molecular and functional mechanisms of action of classical psychedelics.
• Possible relationships between the molecular and functional mechanisms of action and subjective and clinical efficacy, including the challenges of research with classical psychedelics.
• Clinical applications of classical psychedelics covering models of administration, short- and long-term effectiveness, safety, and ethical and regulatory perspectives.

KI's doctoral courses are free of charge and open for doctoral students at all higher education institutions and for KI post docs. If space, other applicants with a PhD may also be accepted.

The application is made online in the KI doctoral course catalogue. It is open for three weeks, starting approximately October 15 every even year (for spring courses). 

Link to the course catalogue:

https://doctoralcourses.application.ki.se/fubasextern/search

Link to the spring 2025 course application:

https://doctoralcourses.application.ki.se/fubasextern/info?kurs=K8F6025

For questions about this course, please contact maria.beckman@ki.se