Psilocybin Research
Evolute Institute advances psilocybin research via collaborations with leading universities.
Current Research Collaborations
University of Exeter: Psychological Effects of Guided Psychedelic and Plant Medicine Use
Are you planning to participate in a psychedelic retreat, ceremony, or guided session involving the use of a psychedelic substance such as psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, or ayahuasca? If so, please consider signing up for this study by entering the planned date of your session or retreat start date on the following page.
University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Carhart-Harris Lab: Global Psychedelic Survey
The Carhart-Harris Lab's Global Psychedelic Survey explores people's experiences with psychedelics across a variety of settings, including retreats.
Your psilocybin retreat may be an excellent match for this research. The survey consists of three online questionnaires, each taking about 15 minutes to complete.
All surveys are completed online through automated email links, making participation easy and requiring minimal administrative effort.
University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, UMC Utrecht & Hannover Medical School: Therapist Competencies in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
This study aims to gather insights from therapists with practical experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Participation is open to therapists, co-therapists and guides who have conducted at least one session of psychedelic-assisted therapy to participate in this questionnaire.
Leiden University: Observational Study on Psilocybin Truffle Use in a Retreat Setting
This Leiden University study looks at how attending a legal psilocybin truffle retreat might affect your overall wellbeing, mindfulness, and sense of purpose. Taking part is simple:
What our Collaborative Research Reveals
The studies below are completed research collaborations with Leuphana University, the University of St. Gallen, the Hochschule für angewandtes Management, and ESCP Business School Berlin - examining how guided psychedelic experiences shape leadership, empathy, and decision-making.
Psychedelics Linked to Mindful, Resilient Leadership
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Leuphana University · St. Gallen
Key Insights
- Leaders who participated in guided psychedelic experiences showed increased self-awareness and resilience, qualities closely tied to transformational leadership.
- Programs with preparation, guidance, and integration are essential for lasting positive change.
Psychedelics Make Leaders More Empathetic and Connected
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Hochschule für angewandtes Management
Key Insights
- Leaders with psychedelic experience report deeper self-connection, heightened concern for others' well-being, and increased care for the interconnected world.
- These findings suggest psychedelics may foster pro-environmental, pro-social behavior and more ethical leadership.
Can Magic Mushrooms Make Better Leaders?
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ESCP Business School
Key Insights
- Carefully prepared and professionally facilitated psychedelic experiences - followed by structured integration - can positively influence leadership mindset.
- Such experiences are associated with greater empathy, enhanced self-awareness, and a more holistic approach to decision-making.
Frequently asked questions
Which universities does Evolute Institute collaborate with on psilocybin research?
Evolute Institute’s psilocybin research spans collaborations with the University of Exeter, the Carhart-Harris Lab at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and a consortium of the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, UMC Utrecht, and Hannover Medical School. Additional studies on psychedelics and leadership have been conducted with Leuphana University, the University of St. Gallen, the Hochschule für angewandtes Management, and ESCP Business School Berlin.
How can I participate in a psilocybin research study?
Each active study has its own sign-up form, linked directly from its listing on this page – for example, entering your planned retreat or ceremony date for the University of Exeter study, or completing the UCSF Carhart-Harris Lab’s online questionnaires. Eligibility and the exact steps vary by study, so check the specific study’s sign-up page for current requirements before registering.
What has psilocybin research found about leadership and wellbeing?
Collaborative studies with Leuphana University and the University of St. Gallen have linked guided psychedelic experiences to increased self-awareness and resilience among leaders. Research with the Hochschule für angewandtes Management found participants reported deeper self-connection and greater concern for others’ wellbeing, while a study with ESCP Business School found that well-prepared, professionally facilitated experiences – followed by structured integration – were associated with greater empathy and more holistic decision-making.