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.

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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!
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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!
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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.

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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.

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Dr. Lilian Kloft

Drugs, False Memory, Cognition

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

Dr. Peter van Ruitenbeek

Dopamine, Neuroimaging

My name is Dr. Peter van Ruitenbeek and I work as an assistant professor. That means I teach and do research at the faculty of psychology and neuroscience.

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. 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. Malin Vedøy Uthaug

Consciousness, Ayahuasca, 5-MeO-DMT

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

Dr. Rudy Schreiber

CNS Drug Discovery, Research Domain Criteria

I started my career in central nervous system drug discovery in 1993 and subsequently progressed from bench scientist to senior leadership roles at global pharmaceutical companies

Dr. Kim Kuypers

Microdosing, Cognition, Nutrition

My research focuses on the neurobiology of flexible cognition, empathy, and well-being.

Dr. Conny Quaedflieg

Stress Resilience, Intentional Forgetting, EEG

Through my extensive research experience, I have built expertise in various disciplines (psychology, psychophysiology, neurosciences) and I have become enthusiastic about bridging them.

Katharina Lege, MSc

Cannabinoids, Neuroimaging, Consciousness

Coming from a background of psychology and clinical neuroscience, I developed a strong interest in altered states of the mind as in mediation or yoga practices.

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.

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