Preclinical Psilocybin Research – From Theory to Practice

A methodology-focused workshop at Tel Aviv University on preclinical psilocybin research — covering behavioral approaches for measuring drug effects and introducing EthoVision as a core analysis tool for behavior assessment. Hosted by the Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility on June 21.

Nadav Schechter

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Events

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NBT is proud to support a methodology-focused workshop on preclinical psilocybin research, organized by the Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility at Tel Aviv University. The workshop highlights behavioral approaches for measuring drug effects in animal models and introduces EthoVision XT as a core analysis tool for behavior assessment.

Preclinical Psilocybin Research workshop poster - Tel Aviv University, June 21

Event details

Date: June 21
Time: 09:00–14:30 (with Q&A extending to ~15:00)
Location: Tel Aviv University — Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
Target audience: PhD candidates and researchers from both academic and industry settings
Registration: Due to limited capacity, participation is by request. Please email liorbiko@tauex.tau.ac.il to apply for attendance.

Program

09:00–09:30 — Arrival and coffee
09:30–09:40 — Opening remarks (Lior Bikovski, PhD)
09:40–10:25 — Opening lecture: Psilocybin – Key Knowledge Gaps and Perspectives (Nimrod J. Keynan, PhD)
10:25–11:10 — How to measure behavioral effects of psilocybin in animal models (Lior Bikovski, PhD)
11:10–11:30 — Coffee break
11:30–12:15 — The importance of sex in psilocybin research (Anat Eldar-Boock, PhD)
12:15–13:00 — Lunch break
13:00–14:30 — Workshop: Using tracking software in rodent research (Mr. Nadav Schechter)
14:30 — Closing

Speakers

Nimrod J. Keynan, PhD — Scientific Manager, Institute for Psychedelic Research, Tel-Aviv University
Anat Eldar-Boock, PhD — Research Manager, The Transgenic Mice, Cryopreservation and Assisted Reproduction (TMCR) Unit, Tel-Aviv University
Lior Bikovsky, PhD — Director, Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Tel-Aviv University
Nadav Schechter — CEO, NBT New BioTechnology Ltd.

About the workshop

Psilocybin has re-emerged as one of the most actively studied compounds in translational neuroscience and psychiatry, with growing interest in its mechanisms of action, sex-dependent effects, and behavioral readouts in preclinical models. This workshop brings together leading researchers in the field to discuss key knowledge gaps, share methodologies for measuring drug-induced behavioral changes in rodents, and provide hands-on training with EthoVision XT — the video tracking and behavioral analysis platform widely used in animal behavior research.

The afternoon workshop session, led by NBT CEO Nadav Schechter, will focus on practical aspects of using tracking software in rodent research — from experimental design and arena setup to common pitfalls in data acquisition and analysis. Whether you're starting a psilocybin project or refining an existing behavioral paradigm, the session is built to be immediately useful for working in the lab.

Organizing partners

The event is organized in collaboration with the Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, the Transgenic Mice, Cryopreservation and Assisted Reproduction (TMCR) Unit, the Sagol School of Neuroscience, the Institute for Psychedelic Research at Tel-Aviv University, and NBT New BioTechnology Ltd.

Want to attend?

Spaces are limited. To request attendance, send an email to liorbiko@tauex.tau.ac.il. If you'd like to talk to NBT about EthoVision, behavioral arenas, or anything else related to your psilocybin or animal behavior research, get in touch with us directly.