From Rodents to Humans: Unlocking the Science of Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity

Psychedelics are increasingly showcased for their ability to boost neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to create new connections between neurons or modify existing ones. However, something that’s often underappreciated is that the majority of research on psychedelics and neuroplasticity has been conducted in rodent models or in vitro, with very little evidence directly linking these findings to humans.On this panel, leading psychedelic neuroscientists will provide an up-to-date overview of the current state of psychedelic neuroplasticity research, highlighting current contentions and challenges. We will discuss how neuroplasticity is studied across preclinical and human research, the methodological gaps that complicate translation between these fields, and the steps needed to bridge these gaps effectively.The panel will address critical questions, such as: How can we study neuroplasticity more reliably in humans? What role does neuroplasticity play in the therapeutic effects of psychedelics? What opportunities are there to develop ‘non-psychedelic’ psychedelic analogs that retain neuroplastic and therapeutic effects?Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how psychedelics work, the challenges faced by researchers, and the innovative pathways shaping the future of psychedelic neuroscience.