Psychedelics Design Conference Returns 6–7 November 2026

The fifth annual Psychedelics Design Online Conference runs 6–7 November 2026 under the central theme "Creative Biome". Founded and curated by designer Alexandra Plesner, the platform examines the growing intersection between psychedelic science, creative practice, and human-centred design.

"Creative Biome" rejects the idea of design and psychedelics as separate disciplines. Instead, it frames them as an interconnected ecosystem linking human experience, technology, and natural intelligence. The conference is co-produced with Floris Wolswijk, founder of Blossom; co-curated with Zoe Wilder, founder of Liquid Culture and Zoe Wilder PR; and hosted by Dennis Walker, founder of Mycopreneur.

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris delivers the headline keynote. Ahead of his forthcoming book How Psychedelics Work, publishing January 2027, he will explore how psychedelic substances alter brain network hierarchy, loosen cognitive constraints, and foster neuroplasticity. His presentation will be followed by a fireside conversation with David Coveney, Publisher and Executive Editor of Design Week, bridging neuroscientific insights with empathetic, real-world design applications.

Key speakers and session highlights

The two-day virtual programme features a global line-up of designers, neuroscientists, activists, and practitioners.

Rick Doblin, PhD, and Zoe Wilder hold a dialogue titled "The Long Arc of Transformation," exploring the long-term cultural movement of psychedelic research and what bringing visionary futures into reality requires of creators.

Extinction Rebellion co-founder Clare Farrell joins Marissa Feinberg, founder of PSYCA (Psychedelics for Climate Action), to discuss how expanded consciousness can translate into systemic environmental action and climate activism.

Josh Rubin, founder and Creative Director of COOL HUNTING, examines how edge concepts move from cultural fringes into tangible objects, spaces, and brands.

Dr. Manesh Girn, a postdoctoral neuroscientist at UCSF, presents new research on how psychedelics affect creative problem-solving and unconstrained cognition.

Jess Jorgensen, founder of Sporesight, presents "If Fungi Was Your Futurist," applying mycelial growth patterns and biological intelligence to strategic design thinking.

Dr. Jahan Khamsehzadeh, author and scholar, traces the arc of psychedelic history from ancient ritual to modern design and counterculture.

Jaime Derringer, founder of Design Milk, converses with Mareesa Stertz on translating inner psychological journeys into physical spatial design.

Joshua White, founder of Fireside Project, discusses voice-to-voice simulation models for peer support and therapeutic care.

Awards

A 32-member international jury evaluates the awards entries. Organisers will announce 24 finalists on 13 October 2026. Category winners will be announced live during the event on Saturday 7 November 2026, hosted by Dennis Walker.

With a neuroscientist of Carhart-Harris's standing anchoring the programme and design-media figures such as Coveney and Derringer in the line-up, the 2026 edition signals how far the conference has moved from niche curiosity toward a durable meeting point for neuroscience and design.