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Who are we?
Our research group has been active in the field of psychedelics for over 17 years. Our team includes trained and experienced professionals in conducting psychedelic research, with neuroscientists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and a unique and adequate physical structure
Our history
In 2006 we started our research expedition in psychedelics, with an fMRI study about the neural basis of the effects of ayahuasca. We also studied the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca. In 2018 we published the world's first randomized placebo-controlled trial with a psychedelic substance, for depression.
The CAMP is formed by a group of people from different backgrounds aiming to take this knowledge to the next level and advance firmly in providing broad and ethical access to psychedelics, for better health and well-being.
meet our team
DIRECTION
DRÁULIO ARAÚJO
DIRECTOR
DRÁULIO ARAÚJO received his bachelor's degree in physics (1995), master’s in applied physics (1997), Ph.D. in physics applied to medicine and biology (2002), and pos-doctorate in radiology (2002), when he joined the department of physics (USP) as an assistant professor, where he obtained his habilitation degree (2008). Since 2009, he has been a full professor at the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil. He was a Fulbright scholar at the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA (2017-19). He has been studying psychedelics since 2006 when his group used functional neuroimaging to assess the neural basis of the ayahuasca effects and conducted the first world randomized placebo-controlled trial with a psychedelic substance for major depression. He’s also leading clinical trials to test the safety, tolerability, and effects of ayahuasca and isolated DMT in healthy and clinical populations. He is also collaborating on research projects with LSD and ketamine.
NICOLE GALVÃO-COELHO
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
NICOLE GALVÃO COELHO Is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physiology and Behavior of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN- Natal, Brazil), she is part of the Post-Graduation Program in Psychobiology (UFRN), and Post-Graduation program in Mental Health at the University of São Paulo (USP- Ribeirão Preto, Brazil). Adjunct Professor at NICM Institute Western Sydney University (Sydney-Australia). Bachelor of Biological Sciences, Ph.D. in Psychobiology, and has a Postdoc at Western Sydney University (Sydney-Australia) in alternative treatments for major depression. Professor Galvão-Coelho has a scientific interest in alternative treatments for unipolar and bipolar depression. She has worked with lifestyle interventions, and classic and non-classical psychedelics such as ayahuasca, DMT, and ketamine. In addition to the clinical antidepressant response, the biological response is also analyzed in clinical and preclinical studies.
NICOLE GALVÃO COELHO Is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physiology and Behavior of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN- Natal, Brazil), she is part of the Post-Graduation Program in Psychobiology (UFRN), and Post-Graduation program in Mental Health at the University of São Paulo (USP- Ribeirão Preto, Brazil). Adjunct Professor at NICM Institute Western Sydney University (Sydney-Australia). Bachelor of Biological Sciences, Ph.D. in Psychobiology, and has a Postdoc at Western Sydney University (Sydney-Australia) in alternative treatments for major depression. Professor Galvão-Coelho has a scientific interest in alternative treatments for unipolar and bipolar depression. She has worked with lifestyle interventions, and classic and non-classical psychedelics such as ayahuasca, DMT, and ketamine. In addition to the clinical antidepressant response, the biological response is also analyzed in clinical and preclinical studies.
FERNANDA PALHANO-FONTES
DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION
FERNANDA PALHANO-FONTES Is an electrical engineer with a double degree: one from UFRN and another from the École National Supérieure d'Electrotechnique, d'Electronique, d'Informatique, ENSEEIHT, Toulouse/France. She holds a master's and doctorate in neuroscience from Instituto do Cérebro (UFRN). In her master's degree, she used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess the acute effects of ayahuasca in healthy volunteers. In her doctorate, she evaluated the antidepressant effect of ayahuasca in patients with treatment-resistant depression. She has collaborated on research projects with other psychedelic substances such as LSD and ketamine. Since 2017 she has been a research engineer at the Instituto do Cérebro, where she develops research involving neuroimaging, psychedelics, and mental disorders.
FERNANDA PALHANO-FONTES Is an electrical engineer with a double degree: one from UFRN and another from the École National Supérieure d'Electrotechnique, d'Electronique, d'Informatique, ENSEEIHT, Toulouse/France. She holds a master's and doctorate in neuroscience from Instituto do Cérebro (UFRN). In her master's degree, she used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess the acute effects of ayahuasca in healthy volunteers. In her doctorate, she evaluated the antidepressant effect of ayahuasca in patients with treatment-resistant depression. She has collaborated on research projects with other psychedelic substances such as LSD and ketamine. Since 2017 she has been a research engineer at the Instituto do Cérebro, where she develops research involving neuroimaging, psychedelics, and mental disorders.
MARCELO FALCHI
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
MARCELO FALCHI is a medical school professor at UFRN (the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte), a scientist at Brain Institute (Natal), which focuses on psychedelic science, and a private psychiatry practitioner. Recognized for his achievements at conferences (he was awarded twice at the Brazilian Congress of Psychiatry in 1st place in 2017 and 2018), he made history by administering LSD sessions for scientific study and conducting the world's first inhaled DMT clinical trial. In addition, Dr. Falchi is dedicated to exploring frontiers in psychopharmacology (published works about ketamine, LSD, ayahuasca, and DMT), garnering attention from major national media outlets. His previous positions included being a psychiatry preceptor (at Hospital Mario Gatti, PUC, and SSCF) and head of the psychiatry research unit (at a Canadian healthtech company).
ISABEL WIEßNER
SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR
ISABEL WIEßNER is a Doctor of Science in Mental Health at the University of Campinas, SP, where she led Brazilian’s first double-blind, placebo-controlled human study on the effects of LSD on thinking, language, creativity, cognition, and psychotic- and therapeutic-like experiences. During her M.Sc. in Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Jena, Germany, she examined the effects of hypnosis on pain perception and brain activity (EEG). For her B.Sc. in Psychology at the University of Konstanz, Germany, she investigated the effects of deep relaxation and sleep on memory and brain activity (MEG). Currently, she is working as a postdoctoral fellow at the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, where she is investigating the effects of DMT and ayahuasca on perception, imagination, suggestibility and brain activity (EEG).
EXECUTIVE TEAM
SÉRGIO RUSCHI
CHEMIST
SERGIO RUSCHI is a chemist, he has a master's and a doctorate in Physical Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry from UFRN. He conducted his thesis and dissertation studying allosteric effects in proteins and drug-receptor interactions through classical molecular dynamics. Currently, he works at the Brain Institute (UFRN), where he conducts research activities focused on neuropharmacology, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry, having worked with various psychoactive substances.
SERGIO RUSCHI is a chemist, he has a master's and a doctorate in Physical Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry from UFRN. He conducted his thesis and dissertation studying allosteric effects in proteins and drug-receptor interactions through classical molecular dynamics. Currently, he works at the Brain Institute (UFRN), where he conducts research activities focused on neuropharmacology, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry, having worked with various psychoactive substances.
SOPHIE LABORDE
PSYCHOLOGIST & MASTER STUDENT
SOPHIE LABORDE Is a psychologist who graduated from UFRN and holds a master's degree in health sciences from PPGCSA. As a researcher, she investigates the therapeutic effects of DMT in patients with treatment-resistant depression and the role of subjectivity in the therapeutic effect of the substance. Currently, she is a clinical psychologist in the DUNAS project and a psychotherapist oriented through the transpersonal psychology approach. Sophie is an aerial fabric practitioner, creator of plant recipes, and passionate about activities in nature.
SOPHIE LABORDE Is a psychologist who graduated from UFRN and holds a master's degree in health sciences from PPGCSA. As a researcher, she investigates the therapeutic effects of DMT in patients with treatment-resistant depression and the role of subjectivity in the therapeutic effect of the substance. Currently, she is a clinical psychologist in the DUNAS project and a psychotherapist oriented through the transpersonal psychology approach. Sophie is an aerial fabric practitioner, creator of plant recipes, and passionate about activities in nature.
RAYNARA BOLCONT
PSYCHOLOGIST & MASTER STUDENT
RAYNARA BOLCONT is a psychologist who graduated from UFRN. Has research experience in resilience manifestation among young residents in peripheral regions and an interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Health Sciences and contributing to clinical trials on the use of DMT and ketamine in treatment-resistant depression patients. Works as a Clinical Psychologist guided by the transpersonal approach.
RAYNARA BOLCONT is a psychologist who graduated from UFRN. Has research experience in resilience manifestation among young residents in peripheral regions and an interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Health Sciences and contributing to clinical trials on the use of DMT and ketamine in treatment-resistant depression patients. Works as a Clinical Psychologist guided by the transpersonal approach.
MELANIE MEDINA
PSYCHOLOGIST & MASTER STUDENT
MELANIE MEDINA is a psychologist who graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in 2018. She also has a degree in Psychology and Transpersonal Psychotherapy from the Norteriograndense Association of Transpersonal Psychology (ANPPT) and a master's degree in progress from the Graduate Program in Psychobiology, linked to the Center for Biosciences (UFRN). Since 2019, she joined UFRN as a psychologist and works at the School of Psychology Service on the Santa Cruz / RN campus, where she develops internship preceptorship activities, extension projects, and clinical care for the internal and external community. The work at the university in its various possibilities of action allows her to have a broad view of the performance of Psychology. The interest in psychedelics, especially in the subjective experience they provide, arose from the perception of the great potential for treatment that these substances have been demonstrating.
MELANIE MEDINA is a psychologist who graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in 2018. She also has a degree in Psychology and Transpersonal Psychotherapy from the Norteriograndense Association of Transpersonal Psychology (ANPPT) and a master's degree in progress from the Graduate Program in Psychobiology, linked to the Center for Biosciences (UFRN). Since 2019, she joined UFRN as a psychologist and works at the School of Psychology Service on the Santa Cruz / RN campus, where she develops internship preceptorship activities, extension projects, and clinical care for the internal and external community. The work at the university in its various possibilities of action allows her to have a broad view of the performance of Psychology. The interest in psychedelics, especially in the subjective experience they provide, arose from the perception of the great potential for treatment that these substances have been demonstrating.
HANDERSSON BARROS
PSYCHOLOGIST & MASTER STUDENT
HANDERSSON BARROS is a psychologist who graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Master's student in Health Sciences at the Graduate Program in Health Sciences (UFRN). He has training in Transpersonal Psychology, Harm Reduction by Coletivo CelebraTe, and Conflict Conciliation by the National Council of Justice (CNJ). He received a Scientific Initiation scholarship from the Young Talents of Science program (CAPES) where he developed research focused on Evolutionary Psychology. He has experience in Experimental Psychology and Qualitative Analysis resulting from research projects. He is interested in researching on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances and is currently studying technological innovations in health for the treatment of severe mental disorders. Acts as a Clinical Psychologist (CRP-17/5210), as a psychotherapist, in private practice and Harm Reduction providing physical and psychological support to the experience with psychedelics.
HANDERSSON BARROS is a psychologist who graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Master's student in Health Sciences at the Graduate Program in Health Sciences (UFRN). He has training in Transpersonal Psychology, Harm Reduction by Coletivo CelebraTe, and Conflict Conciliation by the National Council of Justice (CNJ). He received a Scientific Initiation scholarship from the Young Talents of Science program (CAPES) where he developed research focused on Evolutionary Psychology. He has experience in Experimental Psychology and Qualitative Analysis resulting from research projects. He is interested in researching on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances and is currently studying technological innovations in health for the treatment of severe mental disorders. Acts as a Clinical Psychologist (CRP-17/5210), as a psychotherapist, in private practice and Harm Reduction providing physical and psychological support to the experience with psychedelics.
RAPHAEL EGEL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
RAPHAEL EGEL is a German musician and multimedia artist. Since 2022, he has been the creative director of the CAMP dedicated to implementing aesthetical and musical solutions to the trial with DMT being conducted at the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN. Growing up in the Black Forest in a family of classical musicians, he was in touch with diverse forms of artistic expression from an early age. Raphael played in various bands, developing a unique improvisation style with influences from electronic, ambient, electrofunk, and pop. In 2018, he moved from Germany to Brazil where he is currently producing his music, paintings, and AI art. Instagram: @liveenlightenment.
RAPHAEL EGEL is a German musician and multimedia artist. Since 2022, he has been the creative director of the CAMP dedicated to implementing aesthetical and musical solutions to the trial with DMT being conducted at the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN. Growing up in the Black Forest in a family of classical musicians, he was in touch with diverse forms of artistic expression from an early age. Raphael played in various bands, developing a unique improvisation style with influences from electronic, ambient, electrofunk, and pop. In 2018, he moved from Germany to Brazil where he is currently producing his music, paintings, and AI art. Instagram: @liveenlightenment.
JOSÉ VICTOR
MASTER STUDENT & IT TECHNICIAN
JOSE VICTOR graduated in Neuroscience (Science and Technology) from the Brain Institute at UFRN and has been a member of CAMP since his undergraduate studies, serving as a Scientific Initiation scholarship at projects about DMT. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Health Sciences Program, continuing the work initiated during his undergraduate studies. Additionally, he has technical training in computer science from IFRN, enabling him to contribute to CAMP with his knowledge in this field.
JOSE VICTOR graduated in Neuroscience (Science and Technology) from the Brain Institute at UFRN and has been a member of CAMP since his undergraduate studies, serving as a Scientific Initiation scholarship at projects about DMT. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Health Sciences Program, continuing the work initiated during his undergraduate studies. Additionally, he has technical training in computer science from IFRN, enabling him to contribute to CAMP with his knowledge in this field.
RAÍSSA NÓBREGA
BIOMEDICAL & LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
RAISSA NOBREGA Is a biomedical scientist, specialized in Clinical Analysis and Microbiology. She holds a specialization in Infectiology and a master's degree from the Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology. During her master's studies, she conducted pioneering research on the levels of plasticity-related brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in response to psychedelics, specifically ayahuasca, in patients with depression. She has extensive experience in Immunology, particularly in the measurement of steroid hormones, cytokines, and neurotrophins using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Since 2015, she has been actively involved in clinical studies investigating the potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca, DMT, and ketamine in treating depression. Currently, she works as a technician at the Hormonal Measurements Laboratory in the Department of Physiology at the UFRN.
RAISSA NOBREGA Is a biomedical scientist, specialized in Clinical Analysis and Microbiology. She holds a specialization in Infectiology and a master's degree from the Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology. During her master's studies, she conducted pioneering research on the levels of plasticity-related brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in response to psychedelics, specifically ayahuasca, in patients with depression. She has extensive experience in Immunology, particularly in the measurement of steroid hormones, cytokines, and neurotrophins using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Since 2015, she has been actively involved in clinical studies investigating the potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca, DMT, and ketamine in treating depression. Currently, she works as a technician at the Hormonal Measurements Laboratory in the Department of Physiology at the UFRN.
ÉRICA PANTRIGO
CHEMISTRY STUDENT
ERICA PANTRIGO is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Chemistry program at UFRN. For a brief period, she worked as a research assistant in the development of copper nitro complexes for potential use as metallodrugs. In recent years, she has been working as a research assistant in the extraction, purification, and characterization process of N,N-DMT from Jurema-preta. During her leisure time, she loves to travel, hike, and watch series.
ERICA PANTRIGO is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Chemistry program at UFRN. For a brief period, she worked as a research assistant in the development of copper nitro complexes for potential use as metallodrugs. In recent years, she has been working as a research assistant in the extraction, purification, and characterization process of N,N-DMT from Jurema-preta. During her leisure time, she loves to travel, hike, and watch series.
ROSANA AIRES
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
ROSANA AIRES graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid (UFERSA) (2013). Residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology (2018), technical course in clinical analysis (2019), and postgraduate degree in Clinical Analysis (2022). In 2018, she joined as a laboratory technician at UFRN, where she worked in the vivarium area, and currently works at PESQCLIN (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory) at the Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes (HUOL). She is currently a Master's student in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF) at UFRN.
ROSANA AIRES graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid (UFERSA) (2013). Residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology (2018), technical course in clinical analysis (2019), and postgraduate degree in Clinical Analysis (2022). In 2018, she joined as a laboratory technician at UFRN, where she worked in the vivarium area, and currently works at PESQCLIN (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory) at the Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes (HUOL). She is currently a Master's student in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF) at UFRN.
KAIKE THIË
PSYCHIATRIST & MASTER STUDENT
KAIKE THIE is a native of the state of Paraíba, passionate about science and mental health, a medical graduate from the Federal University of Campina Grande, currently a Psychiatry resident at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, and pursuing a Master's in Mental Health at the University of São Paulo in the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, with expertise in clinical research involving psychedelics (DMT and ketamine) in patients with depression.
KAIKE THIE is a native of the state of Paraíba, passionate about science and mental health, a medical graduate from the Federal University of Campina Grande, currently a Psychiatry resident at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, and pursuing a Master's in Mental Health at the University of São Paulo in the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, with expertise in clinical research involving psychedelics (DMT and ketamine) in patients with depression.
YVES MARTINS
PSYCHOLOGIST & Ph. D STUDENT
YVES MARTINS is a psychologist (CRP-17/3710) who graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN); Specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (UFRN) and holds a Master's degree in Psychobiology (UFRN) with an emphasis on Physiological Psychology. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mental Health at the University of São Paulo (USP-RP), where research is focused on the clinical potential of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, works as a cognitive therapist specializing in depression, dissociative disorders, and stress-related conditions in private practice.
YVES MARTINS is a psychologist (CRP-17/3710) who graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN); Specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (UFRN) and holds a Master's degree in Psychobiology (UFRN) with an emphasis on Physiological Psychology. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mental Health at the University of São Paulo (USP-RP), where research is focused on the clinical potential of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, works as a cognitive therapist specializing in depression, dissociative disorders, and stress-related conditions in private practice.
COLABORATORS
LUCAS MAIA
BIOLOGIST Ph.D IN MENTAL HEALTH
LUCAS MAIA is a biologist specializing in psychopharmacology and mental health, with a master's degree from UNIFESP and a doctorate from UNICAMP. Currently, he serves as a postdoctoral fellow at UFRN's Instituto do Cérebro, while also collaborating with the Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO/UNICAMP) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care (CIECP/UNIFAL-MG). Since 2010, Lucas has been actively involved in researching and promoting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He is a co-founder of the scientific dissemination portal CienciaPsicodelica.com.br and enjoys practicing yoga and playing music in his free time.
LUCAS MAIA is a biologist specializing in psychopharmacology and mental health, with a master's degree from UNIFESP and a doctorate from UNICAMP. Currently, he serves as a postdoctoral fellow at UFRN's Instituto do Cérebro, while also collaborating with the Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO/UNICAMP) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care (CIECP/UNIFAL-MG). Since 2010, Lucas has been actively involved in researching and promoting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He is a co-founder of the scientific dissemination portal CienciaPsicodelica.com.br and enjoys practicing yoga and playing music in his free time.
SIDARTA RIBEIRO
BIOLOGIST Ph.D IN NEUROSCIENCE
SIDARTA RIBEIRO holds a master's degree in biophysics from UFRJ, a doctorate in animal behavior from Rockefeller University, and completed postdoctoral research in neurophysiology at Duke University. He is a full professor of neuroscience and the founder of the Brain Institute at UFRN. Additionally, he is a practitioner of Capoeira Brasil, having trained under the guidance of masters Caxias and Paulinho Sabiá. Ribeiro has authored over a hundred scientific articles published in international peer-reviewed journals. He is also an acclaimed author, with works including "The Oracle of the Night" and "Threshold," both published by Companhia das Letras.
SIDARTA RIBEIRO holds a master's degree in biophysics from UFRJ, a doctorate in animal behavior from Rockefeller University, and completed postdoctoral research in neurophysiology at Duke University. He is a full professor of neuroscience and the founder of the Brain Institute at UFRN. Additionally, he is a practitioner of Capoeira Brasil, having trained under the guidance of masters Caxias and Paulinho Sabiá. Ribeiro has authored over a hundred scientific articles published in international peer-reviewed journals. He is also an acclaimed author, with works including "The Oracle of the Night" and "Threshold," both published by Companhia das Letras.
REGIS FIGUEIREDO
DESIGNER
REGIS FIGUEIREDO is artistic director of UBIK (https://www.studioubik.com), a multidisciplinary studio that works in the areas of architecture, graphic design and illustration. He has projects in Brazil and abroad developing specific languages for various types of segments. Sci Fi fanatic.
REGIS FIGUEIREDO is artistic director of UBIK (https://www.studioubik.com), a multidisciplinary studio that works in the areas of architecture, graphic design and illustration. He has projects in Brazil and abroad developing specific languages for various types of segments. Sci Fi fanatic.
LUIS FERNANDO TÓFOLI
PSYCHIATRIST Ph.D IN PSYCHIATRY
LUIS FERNANDO TÓFOLI is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Campinas (Unicamp). Responsible for the Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO) and the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Studies on Psychoactives (LEIPSI). Publishes in the fields of psychedelic substance use and ayahuasca, drug and mental health policies, and mental health in primary care.
LUIS FERNANDO TÓFOLI is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Campinas (Unicamp). Responsible for the Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO) and the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Studies on Psychoactives (LEIPSI). Publishes in the fields of psychedelic substance use and ayahuasca, drug and mental health policies, and mental health in primary care.
MARCELO LEITE
JOURNALIST Ph.D IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
MARCELO LEITE is a former Nieman Fellow at Harvard (1998) and Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan (2012), Marcelo Leite is a science columnist with Folha de S.Paulo, leading Brazilian daily newspaper. Since October 2020 he writes the blog Virada Psicodélica (Psychedelic Turn). Psychedelics are also the subject of his book, Psiconautas – Viagens com a Ciência Psicodélica Brasileira (Psychonauts – Trips with Brazilian Psychedelic Science), published in 2021 by Fósforo Editora. A new book about the less known plant “jurema-preta” (Mimosa tenuiflora) is set to be launched by the same publisher in 2024: No Reino Encantado de Jurema (In Jurema’s Enchanted Kingdom). For centuries the DMT-containing roots of jurema have been in ritual use by Indigenous peoples of the “caatinga”, a dry biome in Northeastern Brazil.
Marcelo Leite studied journalism at the State University of São Paulo (USP). He holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil.
MARCELO LEITE is a former Nieman Fellow at Harvard (1998) and Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan (2012), Marcelo Leite is a science columnist with Folha de S.Paulo, leading Brazilian daily newspaper. Since October 2020 he writes the blog Virada Psicodélica (Psychedelic Turn). Psychedelics are also the subject of his book, Psiconautas – Viagens com a Ciência Psicodélica Brasileira (Psychonauts – Trips with Brazilian Psychedelic Science), published in 2021 by Fósforo Editora. A new book about the less known plant “jurema-preta” (Mimosa tenuiflora) is set to be launched by the same publisher in 2024: No Reino Encantado de Jurema (In Jurema’s Enchanted Kingdom). For centuries the DMT-containing roots of jurema have been in ritual use by Indigenous peoples of the “caatinga”, a dry biome in Northeastern Brazil.
Marcelo Leite studied journalism at the State University of São Paulo (USP). He holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil.
COSTA REBELO
MEDICINE MAN
COSTA REBELO is a guardian of native knowledge and medicines! 21 years ago, he had his first contact with Ayahuasca. He is a seeker of vision, a sun dancer, a carrier of the chanupa (Sacred Pipe), a consecrated artist, a Temazcal facilitator, and a Medicine Man through the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan. A man who, at some point in his life's journey, realized and recognized that he should also be a Guardian and Custodian of the native knowledge left by the Grandparents who have already passed through this earth. Nearly 15 years ago, Costa met the Yawanawás (a native Brazilian people). From then on, a friendship between him and the Yawas (the peccary people) began. Costa underwent many spiritual diets with this people, including dieting the main plant of the yawas, Muka! Since 2010, Costa has been conducting spiritual work with the native chants of the Yawanawás and the medicines of the Uni forest (Ayahuasca) and Rumê (Rapé). Along with his wife Nicole Passos, he is responsible for the Yawaho Village (Pium/RN/Brazil).
COSTA REBELO is a guardian of native knowledge and medicines! 21 years ago, he had his first contact with Ayahuasca. He is a seeker of vision, a sun dancer, a carrier of the chanupa (Sacred Pipe), a consecrated artist, a Temazcal facilitator, and a Medicine Man through the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan. A man who, at some point in his life's journey, realized and recognized that he should also be a Guardian and Custodian of the native knowledge left by the Grandparents who have already passed through this earth. Nearly 15 years ago, Costa met the Yawanawás (a native Brazilian people). From then on, a friendship between him and the Yawas (the peccary people) began. Costa underwent many spiritual diets with this people, including dieting the main plant of the yawas, Muka! Since 2010, Costa has been conducting spiritual work with the native chants of the Yawanawás and the medicines of the Uni forest (Ayahuasca) and Rumê (Rapé). Along with his wife Nicole Passos, he is responsible for the Yawaho Village (Pium/RN/Brazil).
JARBAS RORIZ
GERIATRIST Ph.D GERIATRICS
JARBAS RORIZ is an Associate Professor at the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará (FAMED-UFC). He holds a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP). He serves as the President of INGGÁ (Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology of Ceará). He was the scientific director of SBGG from 2016 to 2018 and is a member of the immunization committee of SBGG. As a researcher, he has focused on studying the relationship between Metabolism, Sarcopenia, and Dementias; Intrinsic Capacity in the Elderly; and Integrated Care for the Elderly, and he is starting a new line of research on the application of psychedelics in geriatrics.
JARBAS RORIZ is an Associate Professor at the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará (FAMED-UFC). He holds a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP). He serves as the President of INGGÁ (Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology of Ceará). He was the scientific director of SBGG from 2016 to 2018 and is a member of the immunization committee of SBGG. As a researcher, he has focused on studying the relationship between Metabolism, Sarcopenia, and Dementias; Intrinsic Capacity in the Elderly; and Integrated Care for the Elderly, and he is starting a new line of research on the application of psychedelics in geriatrics.
ELAINE GAVIOLI
PHARMACIST Ph.D IN PHARMACHOLOGY
ELAINE GAVIOLI graduated in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, where she also completed her Master's and Ph.D. in Pharmacology. She conducted her postdoctoral research in Pharmacology at the University of Ferrara (Italy), funded by a Marie-Curie Incoming International Fellowship. She is currently an Associate Professor at UFRN, where she served as Deputy Provost for Research from 2019 to 2023. She conducts pre-clinical research with rodents, focusing primarily on the study of natural or synthetic molecules with therapeutic potential for the treatment of stress-induced psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She has published over 100 scientific articles in internationally indexed journals.
ELAINE GAVIOLI graduated in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, where she also completed her Master's and Ph.D. in Pharmacology. She conducted her postdoctoral research in Pharmacology at the University of Ferrara (Italy), funded by a Marie-Curie Incoming International Fellowship. She is currently an Associate Professor at UFRN, where she served as Deputy Provost for Research from 2019 to 2023. She conducts pre-clinical research with rodents, focusing primarily on the study of natural or synthetic molecules with therapeutic potential for the treatment of stress-induced psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She has published over 100 scientific articles in internationally indexed journals.
ANA LUCHIARI
BIOLOGIST Ph.D IN ZOOLOGY
ANA LUCHIARI is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physiology and Behavior of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN- Natal, Brazil) and supervisor in the Post-Graduation Program in Psychobiology (UFRN).Bachelor of Biological Sciences (UNESP), Ph.D. in Zoology (UNESP- University of Jyväskylä, Finland) and Postdoc in Psychology at University of Toronto (Canada). Dr. Luchiari's research primarily delves into the biological and neural mechanisms of behavior. Her focus has extended to the development of innovative behavioral testing tools for zebrafish and damselfish. She employs behavioral psychopharmacological approaches with zebrafish to explore questions related to drug abuse, toxicology, and cognition.
ANA LUCHIARI is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physiology and Behavior of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN- Natal, Brazil) and supervisor in the Post-Graduation Program in Psychobiology (UFRN).Bachelor of Biological Sciences (UNESP), Ph.D. in Zoology (UNESP- University of Jyväskylä, Finland) and Postdoc in Psychology at University of Toronto (Canada). Dr. Luchiari's research primarily delves into the biological and neural mechanisms of behavior. Her focus has extended to the development of innovative behavioral testing tools for zebrafish and damselfish. She employs behavioral psychopharmacological approaches with zebrafish to explore questions related to drug abuse, toxicology, and cognition.
ALINE VIOL
PHYSICIST Ph.D IN PHYSICS
ALINE VIOL is a physicist with expertise in complex systems and computational neuroscience. She earned a bachelor's degree in physics from UFMG, a master's degree in applied physics and a PhD in physics (2015). She holds a postdoc in physics of complex systems, and in non-linear dynamics applied to neuroscience (TU-Berlin, BCCN) and in cognitive neuroscience (SISSA). She is currently affiliated to the Donders Institute and Radboud University.
ALINE VIOL is a physicist with expertise in complex systems and computational neuroscience. She earned a bachelor's degree in physics from UFMG, a master's degree in applied physics and a PhD in physics (2015). She holds a postdoc in physics of complex systems, and in non-linear dynamics applied to neuroscience (TU-Berlin, BCCN) and in cognitive neuroscience (SISSA). She is currently affiliated to the Donders Institute and Radboud University.
GHANDI VISWANATHAN
PHYSICIST Ph.D IN PHYSICS
GM VISWANATHAN is a full professor of Physics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) since 2010, after over a decade as a faculty member at the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL). Since 2017, he has been part of the National Institute of Science and Technology of Complex Systems (INCT-SC). Graduated in Physics from the University of Oxford in 1992, he completed his Ph.D. at Boston University in 1997. His research field encompasses various areas of Statistical Physics, with applications in ecology, economics, and neuroscience. For over a decade, he has been conducting studies on psychedelics in collaboration with the Brain Institute of UFRN.
GM VISWANATHAN is a full professor of Physics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) since 2010, after over a decade as a faculty member at the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL). Since 2017, he has been part of the National Institute of Science and Technology of Complex Systems (INCT-SC). Graduated in Physics from the University of Oxford in 1992, he completed his Ph.D. at Boston University in 1997. His research field encompasses various areas of Statistical Physics, with applications in ecology, economics, and neuroscience. For over a decade, he has been conducting studies on psychedelics in collaboration with the Brain Institute of UFRN.
EDILSON DANTAS
PHARMACIST Ph.D IN PHARMACOLOGY
EDILSON DANTAS is a bachelor of Pharmacy (2004-2008) from the State University of Paraíba (UEPB). Master's in Pharmacology (2009-2011) from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) with a sandwich period (3 months) at the Teófilo Hernando Institute of the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain). PhD in Sciences (Pharmacology) (2011-2015) from UNIFESP. Postdocs at Monash University (2015-2016) and the University of São Paulo (Jan-Jun 2017). Currently an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Experienced in pharmacology, cell culture, receptor transfection, determination of second messengers, smooth muscle studies, neurotransmission, and pharmacological parameter determination.
EDILSON DANTAS is a bachelor of Pharmacy (2004-2008) from the State University of Paraíba (UEPB). Master's in Pharmacology (2009-2011) from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) with a sandwich period (3 months) at the Teófilo Hernando Institute of the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain). PhD in Sciences (Pharmacology) (2011-2015) from UNIFESP. Postdocs at Monash University (2015-2016) and the University of São Paulo (Jan-Jun 2017). Currently an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Experienced in pharmacology, cell culture, receptor transfection, determination of second messengers, smooth muscle studies, neurotransmission, and pharmacological parameter determination.
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