Drug Science and the Organization for Indigenous Outreach & Conservation
Recognition
2026 Psychedelics Design Winner
Best in Class Education & Community Impact
About Education & Community Impact
This category honors exceptional initiatives that enhance educational quality and knowledge sharing, while enriching human experiences and supporting truthful narratives, including Indigenous Reciprocity Initiatives.
Credits
Title: Indigenous-Led Research & Experiential Studies in Plant Medicines
Companies: Drug Science. The Organization for Indigenous Outreach & Conservation.
Entrant: Drug Science
Team:
Organization for Indigenous Outreach & Conservation. Lead: Erika Salazar and Taita Juan
Drug Science. Lead: Dr Anne Katrin Schlag, with Prof David Nutt
Description
The Indigenous-Led Plant Medicine Science Program is a six-month certificate developed by Drug Science with OIOC, the Organization for Indigenous Outreach and Conservation, alongside the Kamëntsá Nation of the Sibundoy Valley in Colombia. An international cohort of 15 studies online, then spends ten days in Putumayo learning with Yagé and other sacred plants from Kamëntsá and Kofán knowledge holders. The research is built on Indigenous knowledge sovereignty, ethical protocols and benefit-sharing with the host communities. The programme also supports Kamëntsá language revitalisation and youth leadership.
Drug Science is an independent UK scientific body on drugs. Dr Anne Schlag, its Head of Research, is part of the programme’s faculty. OIOC is directed by Taita Juan Bautista Agreda Chindoy, a Kamëntsá Governor, spiritual leader and healer.
Sources: OIOC – Indigenous-Led Science
