Celia Morgan

Professor Celia Morgan is a Chair in Psychopharmacology at the University of Exeter, with an Honorary Readership at University College London. Her research focuses on the neurobiological and behavioral effects of psychoactive substances, particularly their therapeutic potential in addiction treatment. She leads clinical trials examining MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis derivatives in combination with psychological therapies.

• Affiliations: University of Exeter (since 2013), NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter Translational Addiction Partnership (ETAP), and the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit.
• Education: PhD and BSc from University College London, postdoctoral work at Yale University, and a visiting fellowship at University of Melbourne.

Her research integrates neuroimaging (DTI, VBM), clinical trials, and qualitative methods to explore addiction mechanisms, particularly how childhood adversity influences drug dependence. Key projects include the KARE trial (ketamine for alcohol dependence) and cannabinoid-based treatments for cannabis use disorder. Her work has received £1.3M funding from the Medical Research Council (£1.3million MRC).

Recent studies highlight psychedelic therapies' potential for substance use disorders and ketamine's role in modulating gambling addiction. Collaborations span institutions like Yale University and St Petersburg University, emphasizing global impact. She co-created compassion-focused therapy pilots for opioid users with local healthcare providers.

• Grants: Major support from MRC for cannabinoid research.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Exeter Translational Addiction Partnership and collaborates with the Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC).