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
hero-decor

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!
img-2-intro
featured study

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!
featured study
img-1-intro

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 More

Participate 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
img-2-intro

Prof. Arjan Blokland

Learning & Memory, Cognition, Acetylcholine

I studied Psychology at the Radboud University (Nijmegen, NL). After receiving my PhD in Maastricht in 1992, I did a post doc at the University of Cambridge in 1992.

Dr. Pablo Mallaroni

fMRI/MRS, Idiosyncracy, Psychedelics

I am Postdoctoral Researcher with the Psychopharmacology Unit of Maastricht University with a background in translational neuroscience.

Dr. Lilian Kloft

Drugs, Cognition, False Memory

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the fields of psychopharmacology and forensic psychology with an international education from various high-class universities.

Dr. Malin Vedøy Uthaug

Ayahuasca, 5-MeO-DMT, Consciousness

I am an altered states of consciousness researcher from Norway and one of the world leading experts on 5-MeO-DMT.

Henry Whitfeld, MSc

Psilocybin, Psychotherapy, Ideography

After being a psychological therapist with 20years experience in trauma work and mindfulness-informed approaches, I am now a researcher investigating how psychedelic experiences and psychotherapeutic protocols interact.

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...

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.

Max Kaiser , MSc

Memory, tms, Sleep

I investigate whether inaccessible memories can be recovered and made retrievable again using various forms of non-invasive stimulation.

Sarah Roche, MSc

Psilocybin, Sustainability, Environment

My PhD research focuses on psychedelic drugs as a tool to investigate the cognitive mechanisms underlying changes in sustainable behavior.

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.

Copyright 2025 © Psychopharmacology Department at Maastricht University, All Rights Reserved