We are pleased to announce that Dr. Zanos has been appointed as Science Communication Coordinator for COST Action CA24130, titled “Psychedelic renaissance: turn on, tune in and drop in” (PSY-NET). This European research network brings together scientists, clinicians, industry partners, and regulatory bodies to advance research on psychedelics for therapeutic applications. Dr. Zanos’ appointment to this key position recognizes his expertise in translational neuropharmacology and his commitment to bridging the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience research and broader scientific, clinical, and public audiences.
COST Action CA24130 represents a major European initiative addressing the resurgence of psychedelic research for treating mental health disorders. It is a comprehensive translational project encompassing chemistry and biophysics, preclinical and clinical studies, advances in neuroimaging, data sharing and databases, and policy-making considerations. Given the current stagnation in developing new treatments based on traditional pharmacological mechanisms in neuroscience, psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA have opened up a rapidly expanding field of research into consciousness, mental disorders, and their treatment. These compounds have already shown efficacy in treating depression, and recent advances in neuroimaging have enabled detailed understanding of the processes behind their unique therapeutic effects. The PSY-NET action aims to advance this field through coordinated European research efforts while also working to shift policy at the European level regarding the availability of these compounds in clinical and preclinical settings.
As Science Communication Coordinator, Dr. Zanos will hold a mandatory position within the COST Action responsible for coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive communication and dissemination strategy to enable the network to achieve its objectives and increase its visibility across Europe and beyond. This strategic role involves managing multiple communication channels including websites, social media platforms, and traditional media engagement to effectively communicate the Action’s activities and findings to diverse audiences including scientific experts, healthcare professionals, policy makers, regulatory agencies, and the general public. The Science Communication Coordinator plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between fundamental research and its practical applications, ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries about the therapeutic effects of psychedelics reach the world’s most prestigious journals while also being translated into accessible information for stakeholders and the public.