Partnerships and Outreach

In 2024, Usona prioritized outreach by engaging the scientific, philanthropic, and regulatory communities, and hosting educational events to connect with a global audience and broaden awareness of psychedelic research and therapies.

Some examples include:

Regan-Udall Foundation's Workshop on Psychedelic Clinical Study Design (January)

South by Southwest (SXSW) (March)

International Forum on Consciousness; The Many Facets of Love: Understanding Consciousness and Connection (May)

Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics (May)

Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research (June)

Advancing Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) public meeting (September)

Cohen Foundation Edge of Medicine (October)

Tiny Blue Dot Annual Meeting (October)

UW-Madison Psychedelic Symposium (November)

Key Accomplishments:

Expanded engagement initiatives to reach a wider audience in psychedelic research and mental health advocacy.

Strengthened partnerships with advocacy groups and partner organizations to promote awareness and acceptance of psychedelic research and therapies.

New Partnership Feature:

Etheridge and ShineMaker Foundations Support 5-MeO-DMT Research

In 2024, Usona received a grant from the Etheridge Foundation, in partnership with the ShineMaker Foundation, to advance research on 5-MeO-DMT. This initiative focuses on the compound’s therapeutic potential for PTSD, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. A key component of the program is the development of a pharmaceutical-grade synthetic supply of 5-MeO-DMT, reducing ecological pressures on the vulnerable Sonoran Desert Toad and supporting vital conservation efforts. Read the press release.

“The Etheridge Foundation, in partnership with our ally ShineMakerFoundation, is proud to announce our grant to Usona Institute in support of their groundbreaking research on 5-MeO-DMT, a promising compound with potential therapeutic applications for PTSD, substance abuse disorders, and various other mental health conditions. As a leading non-profit medical research organization, Usona Institute is committed to advancing scientific understanding and alleviating mental suffering for the greater public good. Their dedication to principled psychedelic research, particularly through their open science approach, aligns with our foundation’s mission to promote innovative and ethical scientific advancements. A critical aspect of Usona’s project is the development of a synthesized GMP (pharmaceutical grade) supply of 5-MeO-DMT for investigational use, which plays an essential role in protecting the Sonoran Desert Toad (Inciliusalvariusor "Bufo") and its natural habitat. This synthetic production method is a key conservation effort, helping to reduce the ecological impact on this vulnerable species. In tandem with this grant, the Etheridge Foundation is also proud to make a Root Relationship Contribution to the IMC Fund to support their vital bio conservation work for the Sonoran Desert Toad. We are excited to support both Usona Institute and the IMC Fund in their efforts to advance clinical research while simultaneously working to conserve endangered species. We believe their dedication to science and sustainability will make a lasting impact in both fields.”

– The Etheridge Foundation