The Psychedelic Symposium

The Trip Symposium is a bimonthly gathering of leading thinkers, researchers, and

explorers in the psychedelic space. Each event dives deep into the science and

stories behind psychedelics, covering everything from anthropology and history to

neuroscience and clinical practice.

Hosted by neuropsychopharmacologist Rebecca Harding, this series brings you into

the heart of psychedelic research, featuring thought-provoking talks and lively

discussion with some of the UK’s leading psychedelic scientists.

This session will explore:

Psychedelic Preparedness

Psychedelic preparedness is increasingly recognised as a key determinant of the

safety, depth, and therapeutic potential of psychedelic experiences. Yet, the field still

lacks a clear definition and robust ways of measuring this construct, limiting both

research and practice. In this talk, Rosalind will share findings from a series of

studies designed to clarify and operationalise psychedelic preparedness, introducing

new approaches to its assessment and application. Particular emphasis will be

placed on the role of meditation as both a conceptual framework and practical tool

for enhancing preparedness, offering insights into how contemplative training can

support more beneficial psychedelic outcomes.

Memory, psychedelics and addiction

Maladaptive motivational memories drive cravings and relapse in substance use

disorders. Targeting these memories, and attempting to weaken them, is a novel

method which could be used to treat substance use disorders. In this talk, Shelan

explores how therapeutic memory reconsolidation, facilitated by the administration of

psychedelic substances, offers a promising approach to disrupting these

maladaptive patterns.

Speakers:

Rebecca Harding is a neuropsychopharmacologist at University College London.

With a background in brain imaging, Rebecca’s work aims to uncover the brain

mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. After completing

her MSc at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, where

she studied the effects of psilocybin therapy on music processing in comparison to

SSRI treatment for depression, Rebecca’s current research is focused on the

mechanisms of psychedelics for the treatment of addiction and explores the use of

DMT to help reduce alcohol consumption.

Rosalind McAlpine completed her BA in Experimental Psychology at Oxford

University, followed by an MRes in Developmental Neuroscience at UCL/Yale. She

recently completed her PhD in Mental Health Science at UCL, where her research

focuses on the neural and subjective effects of various psychedelic substances (5-

MeO-DMT, psilocybin) in both research and retreat settings. Her particular interest

lies in "psychedelic preparedness" and the intersection between psychedelic science and contemplative practice.

Shelan Ofori is a final year PhD Candidate within the Clinical Psychopharmacolgy

Unit at UCL. Prior to this she completed an MRes in Advanced Neuroimaging and

BSc in Neuroscience at UCL and The University of Edinburgh respectively. Her

current research focuses on investigating now psychedelic substances (DMT and

Ketamine) could facilitate a therapeutic memory reconsolidation intervention as a

novel treatment for substance use disorders.