Imran Khan - From Stigma to Science: The Evolution of Psychedelic Research

In this Psychedelic Podcast episode, host Paul F. Austin speaks with Imran Khan, Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP).

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-214-imran-khan_/

The conversation explores diverse topics, from the recent MAPS conference to Khan's career journey and BCSP’s mission to reshape psychedelic awareness. It asks the essential question: How can the field of psychedelics strike a balance between rapid growth, scientific rigor, and ethical considerations? Paul and Imran dissect the accelerating shift in public sentiment, evidenced by UC Berkeley’s survey indicating that 61% of Americans support psychedelic therapy.

This episode offers a multifaceted dialogue navigating the complexities of psychedelics, science, and society.

Imran Khan:

Imran Khan is Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP). The BCSP exists to explore the potential of psychedelics through independent and rigorous research, training, and public education at one of the world’s foremost universities.

Imran has spent most of his career working at the nexus of science and society. He was previously the CEO of the British Science Association and ran grants programs for the Wellcome Trust, the world’s third-largest charitable foundation. Imran has also advised lawmakers in the UK Parliament. He has presented at forums ranging from the Aspen Ideas Festival to the World Economic Forum and SXSW. His writing has appeared in the Financial Times, the Guardian, and BBC News.

Imran has degrees in biology and in science communication from the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, respectively, and an MBA from City University, London. He now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoys trail-running, many forms of nerdery, and trying to cook the perfect dal.

Highlights:

Paul & Imran’s reflections on the 2023 MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference.

Imran’s career trajectory and motivations for working with psychedelics.

The surprising results of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP) public survey.

How history has informed BCSP’s approach to psychedelic science.

BCSP’s role as a reliable voice in the field of psychedelic education.

BCSP’s psychedelic journalism fellowship, sponsored by Tim Ferriss.

Berkeley’s psychedelic facilitator training program.

The impact of California’s Senate Bill 58 and the TREAT Initiative.

Imran’s gripe with the term “plant medicine.”

Key Links:

UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP): http://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/

Imran on Twitter: https://twitter.com/imrankhan?lang=en

Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute: https://psychedeliccoaching.institute/

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