Stephen Bright

Dr. Stephen Bright is a Senior Lecturer in Addiction at Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences. With 15 years of experience as a psychologist in Mental Health & AOD fields, he focuses on harm reduction, drug policy, and emerging drug trends like synthetic cannabis and darkweb markets. His PhD examined media portrayal of AOD and public perceptions, leading to the AOD Media Watch initiative (www.aodmediawatch.com.au). He advocates for evidence-based drug legislation and explores psychedelics' role in therapy and spirituality.

Professional Roles:

• Founding member & Vice-President of PRISM (funds AOD research)
• Elected member of Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) board since 2015
• Member of AOD Media Watch Reference Group
• Peninsula Health's Human Research Ethics Committee (since 2012)

Awards:

• 2012: Gold Medal, Victorian Public Health Awards
• 2011: Best Late Breaking Paper, APSAD Conference

Research Focus:

His work spans AOD policy, media accountability, psychedelic-assisted therapies (e.g., MDMA, psilocybin), synthetic drugs, and older adult substance use. Key projects include drug-checking initiatives, serious game development for youth AOD education, and clinical trials for MDMA/psilocybin efficacy.

Labs/Teams:

Collaborates with Reset Mind Sciences on psychedelic trials and Sideffect Australia on digital AOD education tools like the Sideffect GamePlan.