Pedro Teixeira presents talk on psychedelic education at TEDx Lagos

Researcher and professor Pedro Teixeira participated in TEDx Lagos, where he delivered a talk on psychedelic science and its role in contemporary mental health and behavioural studies. In his presentation, Teixeira discussed how substances such as psilocybin and DMT are being investigated for their potential to promote psychological insight and well-being when used in structured, therapeutic contexts.

Drawing on recent scientific findings, he addressed the importance of education, ethical frameworks, and public literacy in shaping future psychedelic-assisted care and research in Portugal and beyond.

Pedro Teixeira Explored Psychedelics and Public Health at INSIGHT Forum

On July 2, 2025, the MIND Foundation hosted an INSIGHT Forum in Berlin under the theme Psychedelics, Behavioral Medicine and Public Health. As part of the Rationale segment, Professor Pedro Teixeira presented recent findings at the intersection of psychedelics and health behavior change.

In his talk, Teixeira discussed how psychedelic experiences — even those occurring outside clinical or research settings — have been associated with sustained improvements in lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, diet, sleep, and social connection. He highlighted how these “non-clinical” benefits may contribute to public health and invited reflection on how health systems might responsibly integrate such evidence.

The forum combined mindfulness and embodiment practices with scientific discussion, fostering dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and the broader community about the transformative potential of psychedelics for human well-being.

Pedro Teixeira Discusses Psychedelics and Public Health at Santiago Symposium

Professor Pedro Teixeira, principal investigator at the CIPER - Behavioral Regulation Group, was one of the invited speakers at the Santiago Psychedelic Research Symposium, held on May 20, 2025, at CiTIUS – University of Santiago de Compostela.

In his talk, titled “Psychedelics and Public Health,” Teixeira explored emerging evidence on how psychedelic experiences may promote lasting improvements in key health behaviors such as physical activity, diet, sleep, and meditation. He emphasized that beyond their clinical applications, psychedelics might act as catalysts for deeper motivation, self-regulation, and behavioral change — areas closely aligned with his ongoing research in health psychology and self-determination theory. Teixeira’s participation reflects the growing international engagement of Portuguese researchers in this evolving interdisciplinary field, where psychology, neuroscience, and public health converge to better understand the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences.

Roundtable on “Science and Therapy with Psychedelic Substances in the 21st Century” at FMH-ULisboa

On May 9, 2025, the Faculty of Human Kinetics at the University of Lisbon (FMH-ULisboa) hosted a roundtable titled “Science and Therapy with Psychedelic Substances in the 21st Century.” The event was part of the 4th FMH Career Forum, under the theme “Teaching and Research in Motion: Inspiration for the Future.”

The session gathered three professionals working at the intersection of psychology, psychiatry, and psychedelic research: Pedro Teixeira, professor at FMH-ULisboa and researcher at the CIPER–Self-Regulation group, focusing on the behavioral impacts of psychedelic experiences; Carolina Seybert, clinical psychologist at the Champalimaud Foundation, involved in studies on innovative therapeutic interventions; and Inês Figueiredo, psychiatrist at Liminal Minds, specialized in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

The discussion explored current scientific findings and therapeutic applications of substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine, followed by an open Q&A session. The event reflected the growing academic interest in psychedelic science in Portugal and provided an opportunity for students and professionals to engage with leading experts in this emerging field.

“Where Is My Mind?” — Public Discussion Explores Psychedelics and the Frontiers of Consciousness

On March 25, 2025, the Coliseu do Porto Ageas hosted “Where Is My Mind? Psychedelics at the Frontier of Personal, Social, and Environmental Consciousness,” a public conversation examining how psychedelics influence perception, collective well-being, and our relationship with the planet.

The discussion brought together João Costa Ribeiro (psychiatrist), Maria Carmo Carvalho (psychologist and Boom Festival coordinator), and Pedro Teixeira (researcher at the University of Lisbon), under the moderation of Susana Peralta (economist and columnist).

The event formed part of the Mantras 2025 cultural program and aimed to bridge scientific, therapeutic, and ecological perspectives on the expanding field of psychedelic research and practice. Participants reflected on the social and ethical implications of consciousness-expanding experiences, as well as their potential role in promoting individual and collective transformation.

Pedro Teixeira delivered an open lecture on psychedelics and their role in mental and behavioral health.

The Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto invited CIPER Behavioral Regulation research group director Pedro Teixeira to deliver a talk on the role of psychedelics in mental and behavioral health.

The lecture explored various aspects of psychedelic substances, starting with an introduction to what psychedelics are, their history, and their classification. Pedro Teixeira provided an overview of psychedelic science, highlighting recent research advancements and the resurgence of interest in these substances as therapeutic tools. Specifically, the lecture addressed the effects of psychedelics on behavioral and public health, emphasizing their potential role in promoting long-term behavior changes