Imaginarium
Visionary Problem-Solving Initiative (VPSI)

The Visionary Problem Solving Initiative is a collaboration between the MINDS Foundation, and the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination and the Center for Psychedelic Research at UC San Diego.

Exploring how psychedelics catalyze insight, imagination, and novel design solutions at the intersection of neuroscience, creativity, and technology
Psychedelic research is booming, with excellent focus on clinical applications, but less attention to how altered states might foster imagination, spark profound insights, and design solutions for humanity and the planet. Advances in neuroscience, technology and computation open green fields for a new era of the science of profound insights and “Aha!” moments, and creative problem solving. There is an immediate need to counter despair and reject regressive worldviews, by rekindling the imagination, fostering breakthroughs, and empowering people to create new pathways toward a world that helps all beings thrive.
Imaginarium is a day-long event featuring speakers, panels, and experientials designed for attendees to leave with new insights, opportunities for connection and collaboration, and an overview on the state of the art in how psychedelics can catalyze imagination, creative breakthroughs, and novel design solutions at the intersection of neuroscience, creativity, and technology. It will be followed by an after-conference event where you can unwind, connect, and enjoy an evening of entertainment and great company. Register your interest in the after-conference event when registering for the conference.

Location

The Jeannie at UC San Diego (Streaming Available)

Time

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Register Here

Imaginarium: A Day Long Symposium on Psychedelics and Creativity

AGENDA

PARKING

SPEAKERS

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Alex Grey

Visionary Artist

Allyson-Grey

Allyson Grey

Visionary Artist

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Rick Doblin

Psychedelic Policy Leader

Bruce

Bruce Damer

Center for MINDS

Cassi

Cassandra Vieten

Imagination Researcher

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Kalina Christoff Hadjiilieva

Scientific Study of Spontaneous Thought

jonathan

Jonathan Schooler

Scientific Study of Creativity

james

James Fadiman

Microdosing Pioneer

shane

Shane Mauss

Comedian

manesh

Manesh Girn

Psychedelic Neuroscientist

jon

Jon Dean

Studies Endogenous DMT

Jem

Jem Stone

First Nations Practitioner

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Christine Chesebrough

aha! Moments

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Nick Denomme

Neuroscience & Pharmacology

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Tracy DeLuca

Design Innovator

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Isabel Wiessner

Psychologist & Neuroscientist

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Chandra Khalifian

Research Psychologist

kayla

Kayla Knopp

Research Psychologist

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Petey USA

Musician and Comedian

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Hamilton Morris

Journalist and Chemist

REGISTER HERE

A unique event filled with
networking, workshops, seminars,
and engaging conversations with
the industry’s leading experts.

AFTER CONFERENCE EVENT

Get ready for an unforgettabe night as Petey USA and friends transport you to another dimension!

Made possible by our friends at

Interested in donating or sponsoring this event?

Give Online: https://giveto.ucsd.edu/giving/home Direct to: Clarke Center for Human Imagination, Fund Code 2271
Wiring instructions available at: tinyurl.com/wireimaginarium
This conference explores the scientific, psychological, and cultural relationships between imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and altered states of consciousness, including those that have been studied in connection with psychedelic compounds. The purpose of this conference is educational and scholarly. It is intended to share research findings, historical perspectives, and emerging theories in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and the creative sciences.
 
Nothing presented at this conference—whether in lectures, panels, workshops, or discussions—should be interpreted as encouraging, endorsing, or instructing the use, possession, or distribution of any illegal substances. The organizers, speakers, host institution, and sponsors do not promote or support the use of psychedelics outside of lawful, regulated, and professionally supervised medical or research settings.
 
In the United States, and in the State of California, most psychedelic substances remain classified as controlled substances under federal law, except where specifically authorized through FDA-approved clinical trials, state-licensed therapeutic programs, or other legally sanctioned research or medical frameworks. Any references to personal experiences, historical use, or therapeutic outcomes are provided solely for contextual and academic discussion and should not be taken as guidance for individual behavior.
 
This conference is not a medical, psychological, or legal consultation. Participants should not use any information presented here as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Individuals with mental health conditions, medical vulnerabilities, or personal or family histories of psychosis should be especially cautious and consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any clinical research or treatment involving altered states.
 
By attending this event in person or via livestream, participants acknowledge that they are engaging in a forum dedicated to scientific inquiry, ethical discussion, and public education, not advocacy for illegal activity or unsafe practices.

Practitioners of the emergent field of Speculative Futures Studies use speculative forms – including, but not limited to, art, literature, and theory- to confront the legacies of imperialism, colonialism, and racism in order to imagine and enact more sustainable and just futures.

Science explains it, but
art may be the key to finding it.

The Speculative Futures Collective seeks to cultivate research with faculty, graduate students, and community members using speculative cultural forms and theories to collaborate on the future of education, ecology, gender, sexuality, and race.

Practitioners of the emergent field of Speculative Futures Studies use speculative forms – including, but not limited to, art, literature, and theory- to confront the legacies of imperialism, colonialism, and racism in order to imagine and enact more sustainable and just futures.

Science explains it, but
art may be the key to finding it.

The Speculative Futures Collective seeks to cultivate research with faculty, graduate students, and community members using speculative cultural forms and theories to collaborate on the future of education, ecology, gender, sexuality, and race.

Unlike intelligence, memory, and creativity, there is an alarming lack of coherent theory and a thin empirical literature on imagination. Why alarming? Imagination may be one of the most important keys to human flourishing and human progress, with spiritual and evolutionary adaptive benefit.

The science of imagination needs a guide for the future.

The Atlas of Imagination is the guide, focusing coherent theoretical models of imagination to drive further investigation and the tools needed for the empirical study of the neurodiversity of imagination. 

Unlike intelligence, memory, and creativity, there is an alarming lack of coherent theory and a thin empirical literature on imagination. Why alarming? Imagination may be one of the most important keys to human flourishing and human progress, with spiritual and evolutionary adaptive benefit.

The science of imagination needs
a guide for the future.

The Atlas of Imagination is the guide, focusing coherent theoretical models of imagination to drive further investigation and the tools needed for the empirical study of the neurodiversity of imagination. 

The Clarke Center is a research-and-practice hub, where the best insights from the neuroscience of imagination are connected with the latest in technology and put to use to unlock the transformative power of imagination across age groups, and communities to tackle the most pressing issues facing the planet.

Imagination discovers
new possibilities within the impossible.

Imagination is at the root of empathy and compassion. Imagination gives rise to hope. We aim to unleash the power of imagination to tackle the most pressing issues facing life on Earth – to envision and build a more equitable an sustainable world.