UofT Talks Presents Mind Over Matter: Transforming Minds With Psychedelic Research
As psychedelics move from the margins to the mainstream, questions around science, therapy, policy, and innovation are becoming more important than ever. UofT Talks 2026 brings together voices from across research, medicine, and industry to examine the promise, complexity, and future of psychedelics in mental health and care.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about this rapidly evolving field, this event is for you.
Join us on June 19, 5pm-9pm @ the BMO Education and Conference Centre for an evening of insight, discussion, and community as we explore the future of psychedelics.
Dinner and refreshments are included with the purchase of a conference ticket. All attendees will recieve a promo code to the ROM Psychedelics Exhibit.
Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/uoft-talks-mind-over-matter-transforming-minds-with-psychedelic-research-tickets-1987744748050?aff=oddtdtcreator
Speakers
Rotem Petranker, PhD
Rotem is a clinician/scientist interested in the impact psychedelics have on well-being and psychopathology. He is the co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science, the Psychedelic Studies Research Program at the University of Toronto, and the Centre for Health Innovation and Research in Psychedelics at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he is currently a postdoctoral fellow.
Rotem’s research interests include creativity, sustained attention, mindfulness, and affective processing. He has also written about the philosophy of science and how it pertains to psychedelic research. His clinical interests include ADHD, anxiety, and OCD.
Nicholas Kadysh
Nick Kadysh is the founder and CEO of PharmAla Biotech, a Toronto-based life sciences company focused on developing and manufacturing MDMA and related compounds. He brings over a decade of experience in public affairs and regulatory strategy. Before founding PharmAla in 2020, Nick held senior roles in government relations and corporate affairs at organizations including JUUL Labs, General Electric Canada, and Red Bull Canada. He also has a strong background in public service, having worked in legislative and policy roles at both provincial and federal levels.
Roger McIntyre, PhD
Dr. Roger McIntyre is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and was named by Clarivate Analytics for a decade as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds.” His research focuses on the neurobiology, phenomenology, and treatment of mood disorders, with particular interest in rapid-acting therapeutics such as ketamine. Dr. McIntyre has received multiple teaching awards from the University of Toronto and the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and was awarded the 2023 Colvin Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Mood Disorders Research from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. He has contributed extensively to clinical practice guidelines, serving as lead author of the Florida Best Practice Guidelines and international expert guidance on ketamine and esketamine, and contributing to CANMAT and RANZCP guidelines for mood disorders.
Felicity Bannister
Felicity Bannister is a Registered Social Worker with a decade of experience across community, corporate, and private practice settings. She holds a Master of Social Work from Carleton University and has pursued additional training in relational psychotherapy and mindfulness at the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy and the University of Toronto. She also has extensive experience facilitating groups and leading mindfulness meditation retreats. Her therapeutic approach is trauma-sensitive and holistic, focusing on the integration of mind, body, and spirit through mindfulness and somatic, neuroscience-informed practices. She has specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy and incorporates this perspective into her work at New Pathways Therapy, where she supports clients in exploring healing, personal growth, and meaning-making in a safe and compassionate environment.
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