Amazonian Ayahuasca & Plant Medicine Research
In partnership with Indigenous healers since 2015
In collaboration with:
Onaya Science is an independent research organisation dedicated to bringing Indigenous plant medicine practices into dialogue with cutting-edge science.
We believe that fungi and plant medicines such as ayahuasca, iboga and psilocybin can be approached through more than one paradigm.
By recognising the value of traditional, local knowledge as well as contemporary scientific enquiry, we can come to a better understanding of ourselves and the natural world to which we belong.
Current Projects
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World Ayahuasca Forum Community Partners
Onaya is proud to be a Community Partner of the World Ayahuasca Forum, a historic convergence of Indigenous leaders, researchers, practitioners and artists that came to life in Girona (2026). Dr Simon Ruffell and Dr WaiFung Tsang were invited to speak in conversations on Indigenous-Global North collaboration, psychedelic science, and respectful bridge-building.
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Exeter Psychedelic Interdisciplinary Centre (EPIC)
Onaya Science co-founders Dr Simon Ruffell and Dr WaiFung Tsang are part of the team at EPIC, the University of Exeter's hub for psychedelic research, education and community. Working between biomedical research and Indigenous medicine, EPIC's research reaches beyond individual treatment towards healing for communities, cultures and the wider natural world.
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Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery for Athletes
Together with Athletes Journey Home, Onaya Science is researching the potential of psychedelic-assisted retreats for athletes affected by traumatic brain injury, including UFC and other MMA fighters, as well as competitors from extreme and high-impact sports. The project explores changes in brain function, mental wellbeing and long-term recovery.
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Ayahuasca Retreats for Military Veterans with PTSD
Onaya Science is in a long-term collaboration with the Heroic Hearts Project and the University of Melbourne to investigate the impact of Shipibo-style Amazonian plant medicine retreats for military veterans who have experienced trauma. Initial findings suggest significant and long-lasting reductions in PTSD measures and other improvements in wellbeing.
Evidence-Based Holistic Services
By engaging with traditional, Indigenous knowledge using the best of what biomedical science offers, we can bring about lasting change as individuals and collectives.
Psychedelic Mentorship Training
A six-month accredited program in psychedelic preparation and integration mentoring.
For health professionals and lay people alike, the course comes with a pathway towards board-certification. 52 Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be awarded upon certification as accredited by the ANWPB.
Research & Consultancy
Through our established international links and honed methodologies, we offer expert research consultation - from individuals to fully-fledged retreat centers and clinics.
1:1 Psychedelic Preparation & Integration Support
Private support to help you through personal journeys with plants, fungi or altered states. Whatever your goals and personal needs, receive a personalized package of care.
Reconnection Process - Online Self-Help Course
An online preparation and integration course, to guide you through the ceremonial process: from planning to navigating the ceremony, then integrating it into daily life.
Community
See the work of our trusted friends, colleagues, partners and collaborators.
Dr WaiFung Tsang and the United Freedom Collective: music as medicine.
(Ir)regular articles on psychedelic science, Indigenous wisdom and more.
In & Through: The Onaya Podcast
Transcending paradigms at the intersections of science, spirituality and psychedelic medicine
Subscribe now on your favourite platform
Latest Episode
#26 —
Faith, Frequencies and Bare-Knuckle Boxing with Matthew Morton
Accessible & Interdisciplinary Insights
Onaya Science’s work encompasses a range of disciplines, from medicine and spirituality to ethics and mental health.
As well as our growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, we spread our findings beyond academia through digestible and accessible content.
Below is a selection of public education style podcasts and interviews, as well as talks and news articles involving the Onaya Science team.
