Early Career Mentorship

About Our Psychedelic Research Mentorship Program

For many early career scientists, pursuing a career in psychedelic research can seem unobtainable. The historical context of the War on Drugs and excessive criminalization has created significant barriers to funding and conducting research with these substances. Our initiative aims to change this narrative by actively supporting the next generation of researchers. We are committed to fostering a vibrant and accessible research community by offering valuable mentorship and research opportunities to early career scientists, thereby bridging the gap between historical challenges and future possibilities. The ceremonial entheogen use in Puerto Rico project, for example, has already involved three early career research students who have been instrumental in developing the research proposal, demonstrating the kind of opportunities this program seeks to create.

Empowering the Next Generation

The lack of access to funding and institutional support has historically limited the number of scientists entering the field of psychedelic research. This has created a gap that disproportionately affects early career scientists who lack established networks and resources. By providing mentorship and research opportunities, we not only empower individuals but also contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of psychedelic science as a legitimate and rigorous academic discipline. We are building a pipeline of talented, ethical, and culturally competent researchers who will continue to advance the field.

Our Approach: Methodology and Design

Our methodology is focused on creating a structured and supportive environment for early career scientists. This includes a multi-pronged approach that combines educational resources with direct, hands-on experience. We will facilitate research projects that address the unique needs of Puerto Rico, ensuring our work is culturally appropriate and locally relevant. A core component of this is connecting new researchers with established professionals in the field, creating a mentorship network that provides guidance on study design, ethical considerations, data analysis, and publication. This hands-on, collaborative approach is designed to equip our mentees with the practical skills and confidence needed to succeed in psychedelic research.

Project Timeline and Status

This initiative is a critical, long-term component of our mission. This project is active and hopes to mentor a minimum of 5 early career students by the end of year. Our program currently consists of 3 early career researchers. We hope to meet and employ 2 more by December. Our commitment is to provide ongoing opportunities to our community. We are currently building the foundational framework for the program and will announce specific application periods and research opportunities as they become available. Our goal is to create a dynamic and evolving program that can respond to the needs of the community and the latest developments in psychedelic science.