Psychopharmacology Maastricht
The psychopharmacology department at Maastricht University focuses on the cognitive, behavioral, and biological effects of various substances, ranging from pharmaceutical to recreational drugs.
Learn More
Mind Altering Conversations with Mauro Cavara, featuring Steven Fülle
Check out the FIRST episode of our podcast series, MIND ALTERING CONVERSATIONS! In this series, psychedelic science student Steven Fülle talks to Dr. Mauro Cavara about his research into psilocybin being used for pain management in fibromyalgia.
Watch it here!
Congratulations to the NEW Dr. Eline C. H. M. Haijen!
After successfully defending her PhD thesis entitled: “Exploring the Adult ADHD Treatment Landscape: From Current Practices to Psychedelic Microdosing and Novel Screening Approaches.” In her thesis, she looks at novel approaches of treating ADHD with LSD microdosing.
Watch the defense here!Congratulations to the NEW Dr. Elisabeth Prevete!
On successfully defending her PhD thesis ‘Mental Effects and Potential Therapeutic Use of Kratom/Mitragynine!’ This project was a joint venture between Maastricht University and Sapienza University of Rome. This is Elisabeth’s SECOND doctorate, she now holds an MD and a PhD! Congrats once again Elisbath on a great accomplishment!
Watch the defense here!
Meet our Department!
The scientists in our lab come from many countries and backgrounds, all with highly unique research abilities. Come meet the people that make up the Psychopharmacology Department.
Learn MoreParticipate in our studies!
We're always conducting research in our department and we're frequently looking for participants to be a part of science! If you're interested, look at the studies that we are currently conducting.
View All Studies
Our Scientists
Simon Neugebauer, MSc
Affective Bias, Psychedelics, Plasticity
I specifically investigate how psychedelics can be used to pharmacologically probe and treat a negative affect biotype, that characterizes many emotional disorders.
Dr. Pim Heckman
Memory recovery, Sleep loss, Neuroplasticity
My academic training and research experience have provided me with an excellent background in multiple psychological disciplines including neurobiology, neuropsychology, and neuropsychopharmacology.
Dr. Malin Vedøy Uthaug
5-MeO-DMT, Consciousness, Ayahuasca
I am an altered states of consciousness researcher from Norway and one of the world leading experts on 5-MeO-DMT.
Dr. Eef Theunissen
Synthetic Cannabinoids, Drugs and Driving, Cognition
I began my Ph.D. journey in 2001 at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Maastricht. My research focused on investigating the sedating and stimulating effects of antihistamines, with a particular emphasis on their...
Aedan O’Shea, MSc
I have a long standing interest in unravelling the therapeutic mechanisms of Psychedelics, and in this project I will investigate the effect of Psychedelic drug exposure in humans on miRNA’s transported in neuron-derived Extracellular Vesicles...
Iva Totomanova, MSc
My primary research interest lies in exploring the potential of psychedelics to be used as novel treatment options for a range of psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Johannes Reckweg
5-MeO-DMT, Neuropsychopharmacology, Therapy
I am Johannes, a PhD from Germany. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree from the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, I came to Maastricht for my Master in Neuropsychology.
Melissa Vazquez Ruiz, MSc
Psychedelics, alcohol, Cognition
My research investigates how psychoactive substances, such as psychedelics influence cognition and emotion in legal contexts.
Dr. C. Rob Markus
I became an expert on the relation between stress, brain (gene) vulnerability and the development of cognitive-affective complaints/disorders as well as in testing (claims about) dietary treatment/assessment methods.
Psychedelic Research
Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin
→
Ritualistic use of ayahuasca enhances a shared functional connectome identity with others
Functional Connectivity, Ayahuasca, Ritual
→
Sub-acute and long-term effects of ayahuasca on affect and cognitive thinking style and their association with ego dissolution
ego dissolution, Ayahuasca, cognitive
→
Cannabis Research
Intoxication by a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018) causes cognitive and psychomotor impairment in recreational cannabis users
Cognition, Psychomotor, Cannabis
→
Medicinal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol) impairs on-the-road driving performance of occasional and heavy cannabis users but is not detected in Standard Field Sobriety Tests
→
Cognition and motor control as a function of 9-THC concentration in serum and oral fluid: Limits of impairment
→
Get in Touch
We are always up for communicating with people that have interesting ideas or questions. If you want to contact our department, please reach out using this form below.