Organising Committee 2024

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.

Joost Breeksema - Director

Philosopher and qualitative researcher interested in the lived experiences and perspectives of patients and therapists involved in psychedelic treatments, aiming to deepen our understanding of the potential therapeutic mechanisms involved and the role of non-pharmacological contextual factors. Director of OPEN Foundation and the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (ICPR 2024; icpr-conference.com; 6-8 June 2024). Underlying all his work is a deep-seated belief in the scientifically grounded, responsible and ethical integration of psychedelics into health care and society that respects the multiplicity of other, non-medical approaches.

Mary-Ann van der Linden - Chair of Organising Committee

I am currently doing a double master in Biomedical Sciences and Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience. I am especially interested in psychiatric disorders and how psychedelics could be used to treat them. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, playing RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons, and watching movies.

Michalina Prycka - Secretary

Hey everyone! My name is Misia. I am a 3rd-year BSc of Medicine student at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, with a keen interest in psychiatry. In the future, I would like to pursue a career as a clinical researcher. That's why last year I decided to participate in this summer school just like you! I am particularly interested in the potential that psychedelics hold for healthcare and the exciting careers they offer for young researchers.

Stephan Tap - Logistics

Stephan Tap has a background in clinical neuropsychology (MSc) and applied psychology (BSc). Currently, he is a PhD student at the University Center of Psychiatry within the University Medical Centre of Groningen. He is also the clinical trial coordinator of the European consortium project PsyPal, which investigates the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for the treatment of psychological distress in palliative care patients. Stephan has a particular interest in the various therapeutic working mechanisms of classic psychedelics from both a neurobiological and psychological perspective.

Aref Touleimat - Project Support Associate

I am a 2nd year BSc Psychology student at Leiden University, and a recent Creative Business HBO graduate from Inholland University. I’ve been involved in the psychedelic world for two years now as a volunteer at the OPEN Foundation, and more recently, as a member of the Arab Psychedelic Society. My dream is to help bring Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy to the Middle East, which finally feels like an achievable reality and not a far-fetched dream as it once was. I hope that one day I can help people suffering from PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy as a therapist trained in that modality. One day I will open a small, intimate restaurant called “Menú” where there will be no menu, Chef’s Special every day! In my free time I love binging TV shows (Mr. Robot is my favorite), and trying to find the best pizza restaurant in whichever city I find myself in!

João Ariel - Treasurer

I am an international PhD student from Brazil, currently enrolled in a 12-month internship at the UMCG. 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 Netherlands.

Victoria Liakou - PR manager

Hello, I'm Victoria, a Master in Marketing student at the University of Groningen. My academic journey combines the art and science of marketing. What fascinates me most about psychedelics is their unique potential to shape perceptions and experiences. Beyond my studies, you'll find me running in nature, practicing yoga, and expressing creativity through painting. Excited to be part of this journey!