Psychedelische Forschung
Bridging Science and Ceremony
Researching the Impact of Psychedelic Retreats
At Rejuvyn, we deeply value the power of scientific inquiry into the effects of psychedelic medicines on human health.
While we are currently experiencing the so-called “third wave” of the psychedelic renaissance, the field still faces significant challenges.
These include designing robust studies, addressing ethical concerns about taking measurements during altered states of consciousness, difficulties in developing effective placebos and securing adequate funding.
Despite these hurdles, clinical research is gradually progressing. However, there remains a critical need for studies that can authentically capture the profound benefits of ceremonial settings.
In light of this, Rejuvyn is proud to partner with Imperial College London, University of Exeter and Leiden University in the Netherlands to advance research into the short- and long-term effects of psychedelic retreats. Together, we aim to explore their impact on wellbeing, mental health, brain functionality, and more.
Our Partners
University of Exeter and The Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, led by Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, Hannes Kettner, and Dr Leor Rosema
PhD candidate: Siân Lavis (lead Study 3)
The lab of Psychedelic, Religious, Self-transcendent, and Mystical (PRSM) experiences at the Cognitive Psychology Unit at Leiden University, Faculty of Social Sciences, led by associate professor Dr. Michiel van Elk.
The group uses a variety of methods according to open science principles. Michiel has a deep interest in altered states of consciousness, as induced through psychedelics, meditation, and other means.
PhD candidates: Huseyin Beykoylu (lead Study 1) and Xaver Funk( lead Study 2)
Current Studies we are partnering with
Study 1:
Live tracking of psychological changes
An Observational Study on the Effects of Psilocybin Truffle in a Retreat Setting. This study examines how psilocybin-containing truffles used in a retreat setting can change aspects of one’s experience and mental processes, such as the sense of well-being, meaning in life, and mindfulness. The study also aims to explore how the retreat setting contributes to potentially lasting changes in one’s experience and personality. All it requires is a phone app and 2 minutes of your time to answer questions regarding your psychological state.
If you have any questions before or after participating in this study, you can contact the research team via retreatESM.study@fsw.leidenuniv.nl, or the principal investigator: Michiel van Elk (m.van.elk@fsw.leidenuniv.nl).
Receive a psychedelic volunteer T-shirt and a Network Graph visualizing aspects of your personal journey!
Study 2:
fMRI study
This study investigates the changes in brain connectivity induced by participation in a psychedelic retreat and the associated changes in personality and well-being. The study involves two in-person sessions at Leiden University involving fMRI brain scanning within three days before and after the retreat, as well as three short online follow-up surveys in the following weeks. As a recompensation, you will get a T-shirt and a visualization of your personal brain connectivity changes. In addition, we will reimburse any travel cost to and from the lab within the Netherlands. Interested?
If you have any questions before or after participating in this study, you can contact the research team via email at retreat.study@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Receive a psychedelic volunteer T-shirt and a visualisation of your brain connectivity changes!
Study 3 :
The Psychedelic Ceremony Survey
A scientific research project on the psychological effects of guided psychedelic and plant medicine use
This research is an observational study that explores the relationship between psychosocial aspects of guided plant medicine journeys and one’s wellbeing within retreat settings. The insights gained will not only contribute to the academic understanding of psychedelics and their use in retreat centres but also support the development of more holistic and effective therapeutic practices.
The study involves completing surveys at three time points; within two weeks before attending your retreat (approximately 45-60 minutes); one day after your retreat (approximately 15-20 minutes); and four weeks after your retreat (approximately 45-60 minutes). You are able to complete these questionnaires on any electronic device that has internet, and can save your answers and return to the study if you are unable to complete it in one sitting.
