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. 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.

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.

Prof. Jan Ramaekers

Drugs, Brain, Behavior

I work as a professor in psychopharmacology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. My research combines methods from psychopharmacology, forensic toxicology and cognitive neuroscience to determine drug induced changes in human performance.

Zain Gangaram, MSc

RDoC, PTSD, aggression

My research is multifaceted and is based on an RDoC model for Reactive Aggression (RA).

Dr. Natasha Mason

Plasticity, Psychedelics, Neuroadaptations

My research is driven by my desire to find effective treatments for psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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.

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. 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.

Max Kaiser , MSc

tms, Sleep, Memory

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

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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