VILLARS-SUR-GLÂNE, SWITZERLAND, 2 September 2025 — A newly released Genomic Press Interview in Psychedelics spotlights groundbreaking findings from Professor Gregor Hasler that are redefining global mental health treatment. As Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Fribourg and Director of the Molecular Psychiatry Lab, Professor Hasler is pioneering a scientific movement that could transform outcomes for millions of patients suffering from treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions.

The feature, part of the Innovators & Ideas series, presents decades of research demonstrating how psychedelics rapidly increase neuroplasticity and deliver long-lasting therapeutic benefits beyond those of conventional treatments.

Transformative Mechanisms in Psychedelic Therapy

In the interview, Professor Hasler outlines how psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA reconfigure brain function. Unlike antidepressants, which may take weeks to take effect and often provide only temporary relief, psychedelic-assisted therapy can produce profound, long-term improvements after just a few supervised sessions.

His team has shown that these substances enhance neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to “rewire” itself and break the rigid patterns associated with depression, PTSD, and addiction.

One of his most significant discoveries is the identification of mGluR5 as a biomarker for neuroplasticity and nicotine dependence. This milestone highlights his ability to bridge molecular insights with real-world clinical applications. Additionally, his research into glutamate and GABA systems has revolutionized scientific understanding of mood disorders, opening new therapeutic pathways for conditions once deemed untreatable.

Swiss Innovation with Global Reach

Switzerland has a long history of psychiatric breakthroughs, from the development of antidepressants and benzodiazepines to the original discovery of LSD. Professor Hasler continues this legacy while shaping global standards.

As President of the Swiss Society for Drug Safety in Psychiatry and a member of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, he plays a leading role in ensuring that emerging psychedelic treatments are developed and implemented safely.

His career journey spans psychoanalytic training to advanced neuroscience research at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, where mentors encouraged him to explore substances with rapid, robust therapeutic effects. This multidisciplinary foundation allows him to integrate diverse traditions into globally relevant therapeutic models.

Professor Hasler’s book, Higher Self: Psychedelics in Psychotherapy, distills his clinical expertise and visionary outlook on mental healthcare. He has been honored with the NARSAD Independent Investigator Award and the Robert Bing Award from the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences for his contributions to psychiatry.

Safe Integration into Healthcare Systems

Central to the discussion is how psychedelic therapies can be responsibly integrated into mainstream medicine. Professor Hasler stresses the importance of distinguishing between scientific research and broad legalization, advocating for evidence-based frameworks that maximize benefits while reducing risks.

His current projects explore applications in depression, trauma-related disorders, and even post-stroke rehabilitation, expanding the scope of psychedelics beyond psychiatry into general medicine.

Personal Inspiration and Scientific Vision

The interview also offers personal insights into Professor Hasler’s motivations. Influenced by his father, a mathematician-economist who saw depression as humanity’s greatest source of suffering, he was driven to pursue psychiatry as a path toward meaningful human impact.

Today, his research combines molecular psychiatry with advanced neuroimaging to study how psychedelics affect consciousness and brain function. Looking ahead, Professor Hasler envisions therapies that foster growth, recovery, and personal development, rather than merely suppressing symptoms.

As he explains, “the psychedelic renaissance coinciding with the peak of my career offers a rare opportunity to participate in a transformative moment that will reshape mental healthcare for generations.”

About the Interview Series

Professor Hasler’s interview is part of Innovators & Ideas, a Genomic Press series that highlights the individuals driving today’s most influential scientific progress. These interviews combine cutting-edge research with personal reflections, offering readers both professional insights and human perspectives.

The full interview, “Gregor Hasler: Three Guiding Questions—How do psychedelics shape the brain? How can they heal psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD? How can we ensure their safe and responsible use?”, is available open access in Psychedelics (2 September 2025) at https://doi.org/10.61373/pp025k.0032.

About Psychedelics

Psychedelics: The Journal of Psychedelic and Psychoactive Drug Research (ISSN: 2997-2671 online, 2997-268X print) is a peer-reviewed publication by Genomic Press, New York. The journal covers a wide range of psychoactive substances—from classical psychedelics to cannabinoids, stimulants, entactogens, dissociatives, plant-derived compounds, and novel molecules. Its multidisciplinary scope includes molecular research, clinical applications, neuroscience, psychology, and sociocultural analysis.

Key Highlights

• Professor Gregor Hasler presents pioneering psychedelic research with potential to transform mental health care worldwide.
• Mechanism of action: Psychedelics rapidly increase neuroplasticity, enabling lasting recovery from conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction.
• Breakthrough discovery: Identification of mGluR5 as a biomarker for neuroplasticity and nicotine dependence.
• Safety first: Advocates for careful, evidence-based integration of psychedelics into medicine, distinct from broad legalization.
• Global impact: Research extends beyond psychiatry to trauma care and neurorehabilitation.
• Human dimension: Inspired by his father, Professor Hasler strives to develop treatments that foster recovery and personal growth.

Original Publication
Journal: Psychedelics
DOI: 10.61373/pp025k.0032
Method of Research: News article
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Gregor Hasler: Three Guiding Questions—How do psychedelics shape the brain? How can they heal psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD? How can we ensure their safe and responsible use?
Article Publication Date: 2-Sep-2025
COI Statement: No conflicts of interest were declared.

Original Source: https://doi.org/10.61373/pp025k.0032