Organising Committee 2025

Robert Schoevers -  Director

Psychiatrist and researcher, currently head of Dept. of Psychiatry UMCG and Director of interdisciplinary BCN Research School at the RijksUniversiteit Groningen. Active in oral esketamine and psilocybin studies for patients with treatment resistant depression. Interested in both the clinical potential and mechanisms of action of psychedelic substances in mental disorder, surrounded by a rapidly growing group of enthusiastic, hard working and motivated junior and senior researchers. Skeptical about hypes, and at the same time curious about innovation.

Stephan Tap - Coordinator

Stephan Tap is a PhD student at the University Center of Psychiatry within the University Medical Centre of Groningen. He is the Clinical Trial Manager of PsyPal, a multi-site randomized clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of psilocybin for treating psychological distress in palliative care patients. Stephan has a background in clinical neuropsychology (MSc) and applied psychology (BSc) with a particular interest in the various therapeutic working mechanisms of classic psychedelics from both a neurobiological and psychological perspective.

Michalina Prycka - Chair

I am a first-year MSc Medicine student at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen with a keen interest in psychiatry. In 2023, I joined the SSPR as a participant to learn more about how psychedelic substances can aid psychiatric patients in managing their symptoms. Since then, I have been actively involved in organizing the course.

In the future, I would like to pursue a career as a clinical researcher, combining my interests in sex and gender differences in psychiatry with psychedelics research. In my free time, I am passionate about language learning and bouldering.

Claudia Alexa Oosterveld - Secretary

Claudia is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience research at the RijksUniversiteit Groningen. Claudia’s academic interests focus on investigating the mechanisms of action underlying psychedelic therapies, particularly ketamine. She is currently contributing as an Events Officer in the Drug Science Student Society Network, aiding in organising impactful events that foster dialogue on evidence-based psychedelic research. She looks forward to helping curate an impactful learning experience for summer school attendees.

João Fernandes - Treasurer

I am a PhD student at the UMCG, currently researching how psychedelics can affect psychological rigidity. My research background is on medical psychology (MSc), with focus on innovative treatments such as cannabinoids and psychedelics in the field of psychiatry. I'm also a clinical psychologist (BA), with a specialization in psychoanalysis. I've also worked as a harm reduction agent for vulnerable populations.

I like to spend my free time on long bike rides across the north of the Netherlands.

Aref Touleimat Ghaloul - Logistics

With a background in Creative Business and due to complete their BSc in Psychology, Aref is committed to the advancement of psychedelic therapy. Over the past three years, Aref has been actively involved with the OPEN Foundation, contributing to projects such as ICPR and, most recently, stepping into the role of Student Coordinator for ADEPT, a two-year psychedelic therapy training program. Thriving under pressure, Aref has a keen eye for detail and ensures that complex processes feel effortless, fostering an environment where learning and growth happen intuitively.

Emily Iliana Michail - PR & Social media

I’m a first year PhD student in the Internal Medicine department of UMCG, investigating the pathophysiology of delirium. I have a background in Psychology (BA) and Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (MRes), and a keen interest in psychedelic pharmacology.

In the future I’d love to be involved in research that prioritizes making treatment fruitful and comfortable for patients, while at the same time exploring a career in innovative therapy approaches.

I consider myself a very creative and social person, so I’m more than excited to be part of this initiative!

Mary-Ann van der Linden - All-round support

I’m currently doing a double master in Biomedical Sciences and Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience. I’m interested in how psychedelics can be used to treat psychiatric disorders, particularly personality disorders. Last year, I was the chair of the organizing committee, but this year I will be in the background helping wherever I’m needed as an all-round support. I’m very excited to be a part of this amazing experience again!