Exeter Psychedelic Interdisciplinary Centre (EPIC)

About EPIC

The Exeter Psychedelic Interdisciplinary Centre, known as EPIC, is an academic hub for psychedelic research, education and community at the University of Exeter.

EPIC brings together researchers and educators from neuroscience, psychology, psychopharmacology, philosophy, anthropology, religious studies, psychotherapy and Indigenous science. Its interdisciplinary approach examines psychedelics not only at an individual and clinical level, but also through their wider cultural, relational, social and ecological contexts.

The Centre seeks to advance rigorous psychedelic research while nurturing informed dialogue, ethical practice and the next generation of professionals and thought leaders entering the field. University of Exeter

Research

EPIC leads an interdisciplinary research programme spanning the science, medicine, philosophy and culture of psychedelics.

Its key research areas include:

• Psychedelics, consciousness and philosophy of mind

• Therapeutic applications for mental and physical health

• Clinical trials and group-based treatment models

• Neuroscience and mechanisms of action

• Culture, history and Indigenous knowledge

• Ceremonial, retreat and community contexts

• Social connection and communities of practice

• Political, social and ecological change

Current projects include the Beckley LSD neuroimaging study, the Phase 3 MORE-KARE ketamine-assisted therapy trial for alcohol problems, the KOSMOS ketamine study and the Mind at Large project exploring theories and experiences of consciousness. University of Exeter

Education

EPIC offers dedicated postgraduate education focused on the interdisciplinary study of psychedelics.

Its programmes include:

• MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture, delivered on campus

• MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture, delivered online

• PGCert Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture, delivered online

• Postgraduate and PhD research opportunities

The on-campus MSc was the world’s first academically certified MSc dedicated to psychedelics. Its transdisciplinary curriculum encompasses medicine, psychological therapy, neuroscience, research methods, philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, history, anthropology and cultural context. University of Exeter

Community and wider engagement

EPIC supports an active academic and professional community through research collaboration, public engagement, events and the Exeter Transdisciplinary Psychedelic Colloquium.

The Colloquium meets during term time on the University’s Streatham Campus and can also be joined online, creating a regular space for researchers, students and members of the wider psychedelic ecosystem to exchange ideas and develop new connections.

EPIC team members also contribute to conferences, documentaries, podcasts, workshops and sector organisations, extending the Centre’s work beyond academia and into public and professional discussion. Research Centres