Austin, TX – January 28, 2025 – The Center for MINDS (Multidisciplinary Investigation into Novel Discoveries & Solutions), a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing research into tools and practices that catalyze breakthrough insights today announced their first grant support for a groundbreaking research project at the Charmaine & Gordon McGill Center for Psychedelic Research & Therapy (MCRPT) at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

The research, led by Assistant Professor Greg Fonzo, Ph.D. and Manoj Doss, Ph.D, is made possible by a generous donation from Ways2Well, a Texas-based company providing leading-edge therapies for mental health and well-being, will investigate the potential of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found within a variety mushrooms, to enhance creative problem-solving abilities. This landmark study will be the most targeted and systematic exploration of psychedelics and their impact on creativity to date.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ways2Well and Dell Med’s MCPRT on this cutting-edge research,” said Dr. Bruce Damer, co-founder and President of MINDS. “This study has the potential to provide increased scientific insight into how psychedelics may influence core cognitive functions like memory and association, which underlie innovative thinking.”

Dell Med’s MCPRT, led by Assistant Professor Greg Fonzo, PhD, and Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D., is a relatively new center but has developed a strong track record in psychedelic research, adhering to the highest scientific standards and prioritizing participant safety and well-being.

Promising Research Abandoned:

The last significant U.S. based study on psychedelics and creative problem-solving, published in 1966 (Harman et al.), yielded remarkable results: 44 out of 48 skilled professionals successfully devised solutions to their posed challenges. Now, after decades of societal and scientific hesitation, this new study aims to break the silence, establishing a robust experimental foundation to reignite and advance this critical area of research.

Measuring creativity presents unique challenges, as it involves subjective and multifaceted constructs like novelty, utility, and originality, which vary widely across individuals and contexts. While anecdotal evidence often highlights psychedelics as catalysts for groundbreaking ideas, empirical studies reveal a more nuanced picture. Recent research has shown that, in some cases, psychedelics may impair cognitive flexibility and working memory, both of which are critical components of creative problem-solving. For instance, a study by Pokorny et al. (2019) demonstrated that LSD acutely impaired executive functions, including flexibility, in certain tasks. Another by Mason et al. (2021) found that psilocybin impaired performance on standard creativity tasks. Such findings stand in contrast to the impressive results of Harman et al. (1966) and underscore the complexity of studying psychedelics and creativity, emphasizing the need for systematic and targeted research to determine when and how these substances may hinder or enhance innovative thinking.

The FLUX Hypothesis:

Central to this study is the FLUX (Fluency Exaggeration) hypothesis, developed by Dr. Manoj Doss, which explores how psychedelics may amplify processing fluency – the brain’s ability to seamlessly interpret and connect information. Enhanced processing fluency creates a cognitive environment where novel ideas can emerge by allowing the ease of information flow for familiar ideas and enabling broader, more flexible associations. This mechanism could provide new insights into how we address complex problems across disciplines, from science and technology to art and leadership. By mapping the relationship between psychedelics, memory, and association, the FLUX hypothesis may offer a groundbreaking framework for understanding and potentially unlocking the human mind’s creative potential.

At the heart of the FLUX hypothesis is the interaction between two key brain regions: the cortex and the hippocampus. Psychedelics like psilocybin primarily target serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which are abundant in the cortex’s excitatory neurons and also present in inhibitory neurons within the hippocampus. This pattern of receptor expression suggests that psychedelics may temporarily reduce the hippocampus’s usual influence over the cortex, allowing for a freer flow of information. By disrupting habitual thought patterns and encouraging new neural connections, this process enhances cognitive flexibility. Research indicates that this shift creates a balance between novelty and familiarity, enabling the brain to reinterpret ideas and form new associations. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, this study aims to map the precise neural mechanisms behind these effects and understand how psychedelics may enhance creative thinking.

A Landmark Survey:

The project’s research program also includes a groundbreaking survey that represents the most ambitious and comprehensive investigation ever undertaken into the use of psychedelics by technical and creative professionals. By gathering detailed accounts from leaders in fields such as engineering, design, science, and the arts, the survey seeks to illuminate how psychedelics may shape creative problem-solving. Exploring critical variables like dosage, environment, and task complexity, this unprecedented effort aims to redefine our understanding of the relationship between psychedelics and human innovation.

“Ways2Well is committed to supporting groundbreaking research that has the potential to transform lives,” said Brigham Buhler, Founder of Ways2Well. “We believe this research at Dell Med’s MCPRT could help scientists, technologists, designers, and leaders make novel discoveries and solutions that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.”

“This research is a testament to the power of collaboration and open science,” said Dr. Damer. “By working together, with support by human health and performance business leaders such as Brigham, we can accelerate progress in this field and unlock the full potential of psychedelics as catalysts for a more innovative and sustainable human future.”

Upcoming Webinar Exploring Psychedelics and Creativity:

To learn more about the groundbreaking research behind the FLUX hypothesis and its implications for creative problem-solving, join us for an insightful webinar, “Psychedelics and the Creative Mind,” on Monday, February 17th. Featuring leading experts Dr. Manoj Doss, Dr. Manesh Girn, and Dr. Bruce Damer, this live discussion will unpack the latest findings and the future of psychedelic creativity research.

About the Center for MINDS:

The Center for Multidisciplinary Investigation into Novel Discoveries & Solutions (MINDS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research into tools and practices that catalyze breakthrough insights and innovation. We envision a future where humanity unlocks its full creative potential to address its most pressing challenges. To that end, we sponsor research, facilitate public discourse and education, and support community development.

About Ways2Well:

Ways2Well is revolutionizing healthcare by empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being through a proactive, personalized approach. We believe in prevention and root cause treatment to achieve optimal health and wellness. Our comprehensive services include detailed blood analysis, personalized consultations, and cutting-edge therapies like regenerative cell therapy, peptide therapy, and brain health treatments (MeRT). We also offer diagnostic tests for gut health, mitochondrial function, food sensitivities, and IV hydration. At Ways2Well, we believe everyone deserves to live a healthy, energetic life on their own terms, and we are committed to providing the resources and support you need to thrive. Join us on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you.

About the Charmaine & Gordon McGill Center for Psychedelic Research & Therapy (MCRPT) at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin:

The Charmaine & Gordon McGill Center for Psychedelic Research & Therapy (MCRPT) at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin is a leading research institution dedicated to advancing the understanding of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic applications. 

Media Contact:

Katelin Jabbari

Director of Operations & Communications 

katelin@centerforminds.org