Mind Medicine Australia (MMA) is launching a $1m fund to support the development of observational trials into psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat a range of mental illnesses. This is the biggest philanthropic commitment to psychedelic research in Australia, and has been organised by their Chairman Peter Hunt AM through the Hunt Family Foundation.
Who will manage the applications?
MMA will also seek matched funding support from other philanthropists to leverage the impact of this initiative. Applications will be assessed and managed by relevant members of the scientific and clinical advisory panel of MMA. It will be chaired by Professor David Nutt, Head of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, who MMA is bringing to Australia this November to speak at exciting in-person events which will be announced soon.
This illuminating keynote address will explore the resurgence of psychedelic plants and fungi to treat chronic mental ill-health and the revolution of research and clinical treatments currently underway in Australia and globally. This is an unmissable opportunity to engage in a discussion about psychedelic-assisted therapies and treatments for chronic mental health conditions, and what Mind Medicine Australia and other local firms are doing here in Australia.
What were David’s thoughts on heading the team?
Prof David Nutt said: “I am thrilled to Chair the review team that will oversee this exciting venture. There is growing acceptance that observational trials collecting real world evidence are vital in understanding the value and clinical utility of new treatments. They have proven vital to the development of medical cannabis and are likely to do the same for psychedelics.”
As the psychedelic renaissance gains traction, this exciting research funding will both give more Australians in need a chance to experience the healing potential of these therapies, and bolster the “real world” data required to move the needle at the regulatory level. If you are a researcher interested in participating, you can fill out an Expression of Interest form here.
