Neurobiology of Psychedelics Conference GRC 2025

The Neurobiology of Psychedelics Gordon Research Conference is an international scientific meeting focused on advancing research through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished findings. This five-day conference, held in a remote location, brings together scientists from institutions worldwide to explore the fundamental neurobiology of psychedelics and related psychoactive compounds. The extended format and isolated setting are designed to build community among participants, encouraging lasting collaborations and friendships across all career stages.

The conference examines a range of compounds including classic psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, which primarily act as 5-HT2A receptor agonists, as well as entactogens like MDMA and dissociatives such as ketamine and ibogaine. Scientists will present research on how these compounds influence sensory perception, alter sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and change mood and cognition in humans, while also demonstrating profound effects on brain state and behavior in laboratory animals. A central focus is understanding the molecular signaling, synaptic plasticity, and neural dynamics that underpin both the acute psychedelic experience and the longer-lasting beneficial effects reported for various mental illnesses.

The program features daily sessions on topics ranging from molecular mechanisms and neural plasticity to animal cognition, drug discovery, and human therapeutics. Each day includes talks from leading researchers followed by dedicated discussion time, afternoon poster sessions, and free time for informal networking during meals and breaks. Sessions cover the evolving theories of psychedelic drug action, psychoactive compounds in animal models for neuropsychiatric disorders, structure and function-guided drug discovery, consciousness and altered brain states, and clinical applications for conditions including depression, PTSD, OCD, and anxiety disorders. This structure prioritizes meaningful exchange of ideas and fosters the kind of in-depth scientific dialogue that defines Gordon Research Conferences.