‘What Happens Next?’: Should We Decriminalise Psychedelics?

Susan carland

Director, Bachelor of Global Studies, and Lecturer, School of Language, Literature, Cultures and Linguistics

Susan's research and teaching specialties focus on gender, sociology, contemporary Australia, terrorism, and Islam in the modern world. Susan hosted the “Assumptions” series on ABC’s Radio National, and was named one of the 20 Most Influential Australian Female Voices in 2012 by The Age.

Arthur christopoulos

Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Arthur’s research crosses academic and industry boundaries, incorporating computational and mathematical modelling, structural and chemical biology, molecular and cellular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and models of behaviour and disease.

Paul liknaitzky

Head, Clinical Psychedelic Research, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Paul is Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab, and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Monash University. He has played a central role in establishing the field of clinical psychedelic research in Australia, and is the principal investigator on a program of psychedelic trials. He leads the country’s largest and most experienced group of psychedelic researchers and clinicians, is involved in numerous psychedelic studies across the country, and collaborates with many international experts and organisations in the field. He has led several world-first studies, including the first trial to use psilocybin in the treatment of a primary anxiety condition, the first study testing the utility of psilocybin as a therapist training tool, and the first trial testing a psychedelic-augmented virtual-reality treatment. In Australia, he established the first psychedelic lab, coordinated the first applied psychedelic therapist training program, and obtained the first industry funding for psychedelic research. Together with clinical and industry colleagues, he co-founded Australia’s first purpose-built psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic. He is regularly invited to speak on psychedelic science for academia, medical peak bodies, industry, and government. His work is focused on investigating novel applications for psychedelic therapies, translating evidence into best clinical practice, exploring under-examined risks, delivering next-generation therapist training, and improving access and affordability.

Dan lubman

Professor Addiction Studies and Services, Monash University and Director, Turning Point and Monash Addiction Research Centre

Dan has worked across mental health and drug treatment settings in the UK and Australia. His research includes investigating the harms associated with alcohol, drugs and gambling, the impact of alcohol and drug use on brain function, the relationship between substance use, gambling and mental disorder, as well as the development of targeted telephone, online and face-to-face intervention programs within school, primary care, mental health and drug treatment settings.

Andrea whittaker

Professor, Convenor of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences

Professor Andrea Whittaker is the convenor of anthropology in the School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts. She has achieved international standing in the field of medical anthropology. Her research spans the disciplines of anthropology, international public health, Asian studies, and gender studies. Her current research projects include the study of global medical trade and mobility, oocyte mobilities in Southern Africa; reproductive travel and biotechnologies in the Asia Pacific, including issues of gender, religion, bioethcs and global regulation of the trade; antimicrobial resistance; and social isolation among HIV-positive people in Queensland.

Meaghan o'donnell