More than 200 world-leading researchers in the field of psychedelics gathered at the University of Exeter for the sixth Breaking Convention.
Breaking Convention 2023 highlighted some of the latest psychedelic research alongside art, culture and philosophy.
The event saw global thought-leaders share their insights and research, including mycologist Paul Stamets, Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, Amanda Feilding, founder of the Beckley Foundation, LSD chemist William Leonard Pickard, author Graham Hancock and ethnobotanist Jonathan Ott.
Author and Breaking Convention Co-Executive Director, Alexander Beiner, stated: “Psychedelics are hitting the mainstream as mental health treatments, but historically they’ve also been agents of social change and innovation – and if there’s anything the world needs more than ever, it’s new ideas.”
Exploring the latest research
Psychedelics have seen an explosion of research in recent years, and Breaking Convention showcased some of the very latest developments in the field through a number of panels.
This year saw talks discussing the use of ibogaine, featuring psychologist Genís Oña who explored underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders, and neuroscientist, Deborah Mash, discussed the UK’s first MHRA-approved clinical trial for opiate-use disorder.
The event also explored ketamine therapy – a treatment that has recently been introduced in the UK, following in the footsteps of the US – as well as the latest research investigating DMT.
Breaking Convention Co-Founder Dr David Luke and David Erritzøe, Clinical Director for the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College, London discussed the latest updates on psychedelic treatments for depression, and neuroscientist Chris Timmerman, presented “the current state of DMT research”, including phenomenology, the effects on the brain, its impact on beliefs, and “how we can extend it as a tool for consciousness exploration and clinical development.”
A pan-African perspective on psychedelic healing was also explored. Chaired by educator and ShroomShop course leader Darren Le Baron, with Hub and Culture co-operative founder Akua Ofosuhene, principle organiser of the 2021 ‘Decriminalization of Entheogens in Detroit, Moudou Baqui, and Kambo, Iboga and Mushroom Academy founder Acacia Lewis; both taught by the late Baba Kilindi Iyi, researcher of high dose psilocybin experiences.
The event’s ‘Varieties of Transformation’ discussion included peace activist Leor Roseman who discussed his investigations of relational processes in the ayahuasca rituals of Palestinians and Israelis, alongside psychedelic therapist Friederike Mickel Fischer.
The event took place at the University of Exeter – which made the announcement at the conference that it would be launching the world’s first postgraduate course in psychedelics.
Christine Hauskeller, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Exeter, whose Breaking Convention panel explored the ethics of the emerging psychedelic therapy industry, co-founded the dedicated Philosophy of Psychedelics conference at the university with philosopher of mind and metaphysics Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes.
Hauskeller stated: “The University of Exeter has become an important hub for research and teaching in Philosophy and Psychedelics.
“The growing transdisciplinary psychedelics team is delighted that Breaking Convention is relocating to Exeter. It greatly enriches our blend of academic and practitioner perspectives allowing for diverse discussions around psychedelics.”
