For nearly 100 years psychedelics have been investigated for their potential benefits for human wellbeing and disease. The first era of this research was catalysed in the 50s and 60s preceding the international ban on drugs. This first wave of research showed promising results and just over a decade ago was picked up again by researchers at Imperial College London who conducted the world’s first neuroimaging and clinical trials of psychedelics in depression. In more recent years the scientific evidence has grown to demonstrate these to be promising treatments which could help treat the rising number of mental health disorders we see in modern society. This talk will chart the past, present and future investigation of these compounds and their respective roles in science and medicine.