Dr Paul Liknaitzky is Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab, and Senior Research Fellow within the Dept of Psychiatry at Monash University. He has played a central role in establishing the field of clinical psychedelic research in Australia, and is the Principal Investigator on a program of psychedelic trials. Paul leads the country’s largest and most experienced group of psychedelic researchers and clinicians, is involved in numerous psychedelic studies across Australia, and collaborates with many international experts and organisations in the field. In Australia, Paul established the first psychedelic lab, coordinated the first applied psychedelic therapist training program, and obtained the first industry funding for psychedelic research. Together with clinical and industry colleagues, he co-founded Australia’s first purpose-built psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic. He is regularly invited to speak on the topic of psychedelic science, co-convenes the Australasian Research Group on Psychedelic Science, and is a member of several Scientific Advisory Boards. Paul’s work is focused on investigating novel applications for psychedelic therapies, translating evidence into best clinical practice, exploring under-examined risks, delivering next-generation therapist training, and improving access and affordability.

Presentation of the Kyp Kypri Early Career Researcher Award and the Lived & Living Experience Award Dr. Timothy Piatkowski is a peer researcher at Griffith University within the School of Applied Psychology and the Centre for Mental Health and Director of the Board for Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA). Tim's research focuses on reducing harm and enhancing health among people who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). He examines how systemic factors and individual differences influence IPED consumption and increase the risk of harm, using these insights to inform effective interventions and educational programs that mitigate IPED-related harms. Central to Tim's approach is the recognition and respect for the collective knowledge within IPED-using communities. By integrating a peer-led approach, his work reduces harm and strengthens engagement with health services, empowering people to shape harm reduction strategies based on their lived-living experiences.

Richard Armour is a critical care paramedic with experience in Australia, the U.K., and Canada. As Paramedic Practice Leader for Harm Reduction and Substance Use in British Columbia, he became passionate about the care paramedics provide to people who use drugs.

Rayna is a PhD student in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Her research explores the use of natural substances and natural health products in substance use. Rayna is also a registered pharmacist in New Zealand, currently working in community pharmacy whilst completing her PhD.

Dr Gezelle Dali is an early career researcher with expertise in cognitive neuroscience and drug and alcohol related cognitive dysfunction. Currently, Dr Dali is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Addiction Medicine at the University of Sydney where she undertakes research on the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol use disorder.

Dr Kirrilly Thompson is a Senior Research Fellow at NCETA, working on AOD workforce development and workplace AOD interventions. As a cultural anthropologist, she is interested in how psychological, social and cultural dimensions of risk inform decision-making.

Christina Norris is a Research Assistant at the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction. She has a background in Nutrition and Dietetics and has been involved in a variety of AOD projects since joining the Centre two years ago, particularly focusing on alcohol use prevention and early intervention.

Dr Ting Xia is a Research Fellow with Monash Addiction Research Centre at Monash University with a focus on the use of linked primary health data and hospital data to evaluate the impact of policy changes on opioid prescribing.

Professor Emmanuel Kuntsche is an expert in alcohol-related cognition from early childhood into adolescence. Currently, he is investigating alcohol exposure in digital media with machine learning algorithms. He has received career awards and personal funding from major agencies in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the international Kettil Bruun Society.

Ms Paige Webb is currently completing a PhD exploring the influence of methamphetamine on family relationships. Paige is also a Research and Policy Officer at Students for Sensible Drug Policy. She is passionate about reducing the stigma experienced by people who use drugs and their families.

Daria Erihe is a Senior Policy Officer at the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, NSW Ministry of Health. She has extensive experience in the public sector working across different portfolios including blood borne viruses, homelessness, tobacco, maternity and alcohol and other drugs. Daria holds a Master’s of Public Health degree and a Bachelor of Health Science.

Marisa Ronsisvalle is the Manager, Clinical Services, Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, NSW Ministry of Health. Marisa has extensive experience across the public service both in Australia and overseas. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Public Policy.