Jorge
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.
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.
Self-Determination Theory Mechanisms in Men’s Long-Term, Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the European Fans in Training Program
Pereira, Hugo V., Marlene N. Silva, Juan J. Pulido, Glyn C. Roberts, ..., and Pedro Teixeira et al. (2025). Self-Determination Theory mechanisms in men’s long-term, objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in the european fans in training program. Journal of Physical Activity & Health 22 (8). Human Kinetics:979–988. doi:10.1123/jpah.2024-0758.
Exploring the Effects of Microdosing on Health Behaviour Change
Prochazkova, L., Carvalho, L. C., Marrouch, N., Encantado, J., & Teixeira, P. J. (2025). Exploring the effects of microdosing on health behaviour change. Neuropharmacology, 110688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110688
Attitudes and perceptions of Portuguese psychiatrists and psychologists on the clinical use of ketamine
Mota, P., Encantado, J., Carvalho, L. C., Cunha, C., Garcia-Romeu, A., Johnson, M. W., & Teixeira, P. J. (2025). Attitudes and perceptions of Portuguese psychiatrists and psychologists on the clinical use of ketamine. Acta Médica Portuguesa, 38(5), 297–306. https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.22815
Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings
Teixeira, P. J., Jain, R., Penn, A. D., Cole, S. P., Jain, S., Moller, A. C., Amaro, H., & Raison, C. (2025). Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings. Preventive Medicine Reports, 56, Article 103161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103161
A scoping review of research in naturalistic studies with psychedelics
Carvalho, Laura C., Jorge Encantado, Hannes Kettner, Christopher Timmerman, Diogo Veiga, and Pedro J. Teixeira. (2025). A scoping review of research in naturalistic studies with psychedelics. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, June. Taylor & Francis, 1–14. doi:10.1080/02791072.2025.2520221.
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
CIPER-SR Participation in the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress
The CIPER-SR research team contributed to the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress, held from September 25th to 27th in Lisbon.
Pedro Teixeira participated in a panel discussion titled Psicadélicos - Gloriosos (?) Anos 20 (Psychedelics — The Glorious (?) 2020s), exploring the role of psychedelics in mental health, well-being, and society.
Jorge Encantado and PhD student Laura Carvalho gave two presentations. The first, Ayahuasca Use and Public Health in Portugal, shared results from a study comparing public health indicators between Portuguese ayahuasca users and the general population, examining the impact of ayahuasca on physical and mental health. The second presentation, Mental Health Practitioners’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Psychedelic Substances, presented findings on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Portuguese mental health professionals regarding the potential of psilocybin and MDMA in treating mental health conditions.