Paul Liknaitzky

Dr Paul Liknaitzky is head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab, and senior research fellow within the Dept of Psychiatry at Monash University. He has played a central role in establishing the field of clinical psychedelic research in Australia, and is the principal investigator on a program of psychedelic trials. Liknaitzky leads the country’s largest and most experienced group of psychedelic researchers and clinicians, and collaborates with numerous psychedelic groups nationally and internationally. In Australia, Liknaitzky established the first psychedelic lab, coordinated the first applied psychedelic therapist training program, obtained the first industry funding for psychedelic research, and co-convenes the Australasian Research Group on Psychedelic Science. Together with clinical and industry colleagues, he co-founded Australia’s first purpose-built psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic. Liknaitzky’s work is focused on investigating novel applications for psychedelic therapies, translating evidence into best clinical practice, exploring under-examined risks, delivering next-generation therapist training, and improving access and affordability.

Innovation downunder: World-first targets, training, and translation

Australia is undergoing a wave of pioneering change in psychedelic policy, clinical services, therapist training, and research innovation. This talk will explore four key fronts: targets (eg, new applications for social polarisation and family violence), training (psychedelic-assisted experiential models), translation (distributed and scalable service delivery), and the TGA (Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, policy shifts). These illustrations of innovation in psychedelic research and service in Australia can provide transferable insights, inspiration, and leverage for other regions.