The research team lead by PD Dr. M. Herdener team investigates the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying addictive disorders and recovery. Using methods such as neuroimaging, neuropsychophysiology, epidemiological modeling, and intervention studies, they aim to develop and evaluate novel, neuroscience-informed treatments.
Current projects include:
-NEKTAR & Co-Boost: combining ketamine and neurofeedback to enhance neuroplasticity and reduce substance use (alcohol, cocaine).
-Züri Can: evaluating models of regulated cannabis sales to promote low-risk use.
-2ASC: exploring how psychedelics influence prosocial behavior through serotonin system modulation.
The research led by Prof. M. Liechti focuses on the pharmacology of psychoactive substances, combining in vitro and in vivo approaches. In collaboration with medicinal chemists, the group designs and studies both novel and known psychoactive compounds, including those used recreationally. Their in vitro pharmacological work investigates mechanisms of action through receptor binding, transporter inhibition, receptor activation, and metabolism assays using human cell systems. Complementary in vivo studies in humans explore pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and acute psychological and physiological effects.
The group has extensively characterized the clinical pharmacology of MDMA and conducted comprehensive LSD studies, examining subjective, emotional, autonomic, and endocrine responses. Comparative studies across substances such as MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, and d-amphetamine provide mechanistic insights. Currently, LSD is also being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for anxiety disorders, major depression, and cluster headache in collaboration with respective clinical experts.
The molecular psychiatry lab is an interdisciplinary team of psychologists, neuroscientists, and physicians led by psychiatrist Prof. Gregor Hasler, M.D. They investigate the development and treatment of psychiatric disorders, as well as the effects of psychedelic substances, including LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA.
Current projects include:
-Adverse Effects of Psychedelic Experiences
-Effects of LSD on Neuroplasticity in Healthy Individuals Over 55 Years Old
The PSYCHE project investigates psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) through a community-based participatory research approach. PAP utilises modified states of consciousness induced by substances such as psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA to facilitate therapeutic processes.
The project aims to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of individuals who have undergone PAP, as well as the professional practices of therapists providing such therapy. It seeks to shed light on participants’ needs regarding psychological preparation (set), therapeutic context (setting), and post-session integration, and to contribute to the development of more sensitive, ethically grounded, and experience-informed therapeutic approaches. Along this process it works closely with the Psychedelos association—a key field partner representing those engaged in psychedelic therapies.
The project has been approved by the Cantonal Ethics Committee of Vaud (identifier: PSYCHE 2025-01039). This qualitative study consists of semi-structured interviews conducted in pairs, involving both a researcher and a patient-partner. Interviews are being carried out with six professionals or therapists providing PAP, as well as fifteen users who have undergone such therapies.
The research group led by Dr. Scheidegger integrates neuroscience, clinical research, and psychotherapy innovation to advance the field of neuropsychopharmacology. Moving beyond symptom-oriented treatments, the team develops process-based frameworks that target transdiagnostic psychological and biological mechanisms underlying mental health disorders. Their work investigates the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of psychedelic compounds such as DMT-based ayahuasca analogues, 5-MeO-DMT, psilocybin, and ketamine, exploring how these substances might promote neuroplasticity, emotional relearning, and transformative experiences.
Using cutting-edge tools—including fMRI, EEG, PET, fNIRS, VR-based paradigms, and Natural Language Processing—they examine how psychedelics reshape brain networks and consciousness. The team designs personalized, scalable psychotherapy models that integrate psychedelics as pharmacological enhancers of therapeutic processes. Their mission is to translate basic science into safe, effective, and scalable interventions, redefining psychedelic-assisted treatment paradigms in modern mental health care.
The Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) run a pioneering psychotherapy assisted by psychedelics (PAP) program for adults in Switzerland with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety or addiction. The service combines thorough medical and psychological screening, preparatory psychotherapy, one to three carefully supervised psychedelic sessions (e.g., LSD or psilocybin) under strict safety protocols and legal authorization, and post-session integration therapy to help patients translate their experiences into lasting change.
Alongside patient care, the team supports and trains professionals by offering regular clinical supervision, a two-day training on PAP held four times a year, and an undergraduate course on psychedelic therapy at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine. They also conduct case reports across various diagnoses, systematically collect follow-up data on their entire patient cohort, and are currently preparing a clinical trial to further evaluate psychotherapy general factors in PAP. Alongside patient care, the team supports and trains professionals by offering regular clinical supervision, a two-day training on PAP held four times a year, and an undergraduate course on psychedelic therapy at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine. They also conduct case reports across various diagnoses, systematically collect follow-up data on their entire patient cohort, and are currently preparing a clinical trial to further evaluate psychotherapy general factors in PAP.
