Dr. Simon Ruffell is trained across three modalities: Western medicine (as a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry), research psychology (with a PhD in Amazonian ayahuasca and mental health), and traditional plant medicine (as a student of Shipibo curanderismo). He is the founder of Onaya Science, a nonprofit researching the effects of ayahuasca in naturalistic Amazonian settings as well as education and training rooted in Indigenous knowledge and scientific approaches.  He collaborates with traditional healers, Indigenous-led think tanks, universities, and charities worldwide.

Simon is also a Lecturer in Psychology and Psychedelics at the University of Exeter and Executive Director of the Center for MINDS (Multidisciplinary Investigation into Novel Discoveries & Solutions), a nonprofit exploring the role of psychedelics and consciousness practices in addressing humanity’s greatest challenges. His work centres on understanding plant medicines like ayahuasca from both Indigenous and Western perspectives, supporting a more integrative and relational approach to healing.