Psychedelics, Consciousness and the Altered Mind

An exploration of psychedelics, consciousness, and what they can reveal about the mind.

Tunbridge Wellness After Dark presents Conscious Sessions

Join us for an evening exploring one of the most intriguing questions in contemporary consciousness research: what can psychedelics tell us about the mind?

For this Conscious Session, we're joined by Dr David Luke, Professor of Exceptional Experience at the University of Greenwich, UK, whose research explores altered states of consciousness, transpersonal experiences and anomalous phenomena, with a particular focus on psychedelics and exceptional human experience.

He leads the new Psychedelic and Exceptional Experience Lab. He is also a current Perrott-Warrick Senior Researcher (via Trinity College, Cambridge) researching altered states and psi. His research focuses on transpersonal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including thirteen books, such as . When he is not running clinical drug trials with LSD, studying lucid dream precognition, or exploring apparent weather control with Mexican shamans he manages a small ancient woodland and is a cofounder and trustee of Breaking Convention: International Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness. He lives life on the edge, of Sussex, England. 

Drawing on his research into psychedelics, anomalous experiences and the nature of consciousness, David will explore what psychedelics can reveal about the mind and our experience of reality. The evening will look at altered states of consciousness, the historical and cultural context of psychedelics, and what contemporary research is beginning to reveal about these extraordinary experiences.

This is an accessible introduction rather than a deep dive into technical research, making it an evening for anyone curious about psychedelics, consciousness, and the many different ways the human mind can experience the world.

Expect fascinating ideas, new perspectives and plenty to think about.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and explore some of the themes raised during the evening.

Event Details

Tuesday 24 November 2026
The Old Auction House, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
Doors: 6.30pm
Talk: 7–8pm
Event finishes: Approximately 9pm

This event is for over 18s.

About Conscious Sessions

Conscious Sessions is a new regular event series from Tunbridge Wellness, bringing fascinating speakers and ideas into intimate, informal spaces in Tunbridge Wells.

From folklore and spirituality to culture, creativity, psychology and wellbeing, each session offers an opportunity to hear from people with something genuinely interesting to share.

Come curious. Stay for the stories.