Leor Roseman is a Senior Lecturer and Psychedelic Researcher at the University of Exeter. He is also the chair of RIPPLES ALLIANCE, a new non-profit for psychedelic-assisted peacebuilding. He has previously worked at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, under the mentorship of Prof. Robin Carhart-Harris and Prof. David Nutt, supporting the foundational work of a remerging research field. His interdisciplinary research covers neuroscience, psychology, phenomenology, anthropology and conflict resolution, using various research methods such as fMRI, quantitative, qualitative, microphenomenology, ethnographic, and participatory research.

Currently, Leor is investigating relational processes and group dynamics in psychedelic rituals. He is interested in how psychedelics enhance connectedness, group bonding (communitas), and sociality and can serve as a social cure. Furthermore, together with Palestinian and Israeli activists and researchers, he is developing a _praxis_ of research & action which utilizes the potential of psychedelics for peacebuilding, liberation and justice. They hope to create a participatory approach that focuses on personal and societal healing and considers action and healing intertwined.

Psychedelics in the world

From personal to collective: ayahuasca as a peace-making tool among Palestinians and Israelis

In the spring of 2022, three groups of Palestinians and Israelis were invited to participate in an ayahuasca peacebuilding program. The invitation was to explore the ceremonial and healing space of ayahuasca through a collective intention: to ground the transformative spiritual practice in the political reality of conflict and oppression; to heal collective trauma and liberate from rigid narratives and ethos; to invite revelations and transform them into actions of co-resistance; to create a community of solidarity and care; and to celebrate life and good music together.

In this joint presentation, Sami Awad, a Palestinian peace activist and one of the leading facilitators, will present the program – tailored for this intention - and discuss the processes the groups went through. Leor Roseman, an Israeli psychedelic researcher from Imperial College London, will present quantitative, qualitative, and phenomenological research findings from the program.

The presentation will reveal how psychedelics can be used intentionally for socio-political endeavours beyond personal healing.