Psychedelic Neuroimaging Lab

Motto:

Neuroimaging opens windows into the structural and functional dynamics of the brain; psychedelics offer glimpses into the variety of mind.

Mission

Psychedelics are unique substances capable of inducing dramatic changes in perception, cognition, and emotion, states that remind us of dream-like imagery or profound spiritual and religious experiences. These non-ordinary states of consciousness appear to be linked to symptom improvement in various psychiatric disorders. We are currently in a highly active and fruitful phase of psychedelic science.

To turn these extraordinary insights into clinical progress, our work focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these states.

Our mission is twofold:

(1) To understand how these compounds interact with the brain to shape subjective experience, and to investigate the functional and structural changes they trigger.

(2) By mapping these dynamics, we seek to harness their potential to foster lasting, positive change in the human mind and brain.

Research Focus

Multimodal Imaging: We utilize structural and functional MRI to investigate the acute and long-term neurobiological changes induced by psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline), entactogens (MDMA), and stimulants (d-amphetamine, modafinil, methylphenidate).

Linking Experience & Plasticity: Our work investigates the link between acute subjective experience and functional/structural brain changes.

Clinical Translation: In patients with Major Depressive Disorder, we map how these neuroplastic changes drive therapeutic outcomes and how subjective effects may mediate this process.

Compound Specificity: Through head-to-head comparisons, we examine the distinct neural signatures of different compounds to understand their unique therapeutic potential.

Dimensions of Mind: In addition to classic psychedelics, we investigate other compounds to understand the modulation of specific cognitive processes and various psychological dimensions.

Team

Principal Investigators
Clinical Experts
Researchers
  • Lea Wollner – MD Candidate
  • Ricarda Coenen – MD Candidate
  • David Bohnert – MD Candidate
  • Johannes Haller – Physician and MD Candidate
  • Lilith Pichler – Physician and MD Candidate
  • Moritz Modler – Master Student
  • Kaja Vierkant – Bachelor Student
Alumni
  • Lydia Fortea, PhD – Visiting Scholar
  • Luca Lasagna, MSc – Master Thesis
  • Olivia M. F. Rapp – Internship

Papers & Scientific Output

(last 5 years)

Peer-Reviewed Journals:

  • Nature Mental Health (2025)

  • Cell Reports Medicine (2025)

  • Imaging Neuroscience (2025)

  • Molecular Psychiatry (2025)

  • Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie (2024)

  • Nervenheilkunde (2024)

  • Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2023)

  • Biological Psychiatry: CNNI (2022 | 2024)

  • Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021)

Book Chapters:

  • Avram, M., Müller, F., & Borgwardt, S.  Lysergic acid diethylamide: In search of the wonder drug. In: D. Nutt & D. Castle (Eds.), Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications (pp. 53–64). Oxford University Press. (2023)

Preprints:

Collaborators

Media & Outreach

Lectures & Scientific Talks
Television & News

Links

Social Media – LinkedIn | Research Profile – ORCID | Publications – Google Scholar | Code Sharing – Github | Contact – Email

Scroll to Top