About

SPRG was founded in 2021 by Dr Anna Ross, Dr Jake Hawthorne, Dr Christoph Zwolan and Fiona Gilbertson. Initially the group was hosted by the University of Edinburgh, however we are now in the process of incorporating as a SCIO. The current trustees are Dr. Anna Ross, Dr. Than-Lan Gluckman and Dr. Ailsa Snaith. The trustees are supported by an operational support team below.

As a group we are passionate about the use of plant medicine for medicinal, therapuetic and well-being, and interested in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy in treating a range of psychological difficulties including addiction and other trauma-related ailments.

Our charitable aims are to promote community accessibility and knowledge on natural plant based medicines, with a focus on Scotland’s Indigenous Apothecary, and how these plants can help to heal a traumatised society through connecting to the land and its natural resources. The purpose is to support sustainable communities and individuals through the dissemination of knowledge, linking research and public education around mental health, well-being and recovery.

  • These aims will be met through:  
    • Community Engagement
    • Education and Research
    • Policy Development
    Supporting these aims is our development of
    • Ethical Frameworks

Our team

Dr Anna Ross: Anna’s passion focusses on research, connecting community with policy makers and celebrating the power of plant medicine. She is the lead for research
Dr Thanh-Lan Gluckman: Is passionate about research, reconnecting with nature, and the fascinating world of Scotland’s Indigenous Apothecary.
Fiona Gilbertson: Fiona’s passion lies in community engagement leading on events, campaigns and policy reform

Megan Calnan MSc: Megan is passionate about conducting psychedelic research within community environments and disseminating research with the community.
Dr Ailsa Snaith: Ailsa is passionate about the links between neuroscience and psychedelics, as well as the power of plant medicine to treat a range of ailments
Dr John Anderson: John is passionate about creating equitable and accessible therapuetic training and interventions, and is the ethics lead
Lucy Campbell is passionate about the decriminalise nature campaign and links the community to the research.