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About Drug Science

Drug Science was formed by a committee of scientists with a passionate belief that the pursuit of knowledge should remain free of all political and commercial interest.

Our Story

Drug Science works to provide an evidence base free from political or commercial influence, creating the foundation for sensible and effective drug laws, and equipping the public, media and policy makers with the knowledge and resources to enact positive change.

Founded in 2010 by Professor David Nutt following his removal from his post as Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, Drug Science is the only completely independent, science-led drugs charity, uniquely bringing together leading drugs experts from a wide range of specialisms to carry out ground-breaking research into drug harms and effects.

The Scientific Committee play a vital role in society, providing the public in the UK and internationally with high quality, scientifically based information on drugs and evidence-based comment and analysis of new research.  Led by founder Professor David Nutt, the committee is made up of the UKs most accomplished, respected and authoritative individuals in science, academia and policy, united with a passionate belief that the pursuit of knowledge should remain free of all political and commercial interest.

Together, they work tirelessly to emphasise the role of science in the public discourse, providing information on the actual harms and benefits of various drugs, and challenging the myths that surround drug classification and legislation in the UK.
Drug Science’s mission is founded on their efforts, and their many hours of work delivering, reviewing and investigating scientific evidence relating to psychoactive drugs, with one single minded message – to tell the truth about drugs.

Our Mission

To provide an evidence base free from political or commercial influence, creating the foundation for sensible and effective drug laws. Equipping the public, media and policy makers with the knowledge and resources to enact positive change.

Our Vision

To see a world where drug control is rational and evidence-based; where drug use is better informed and people who use drugs are understood; where drugs are used to heal not harm.

Executive Team

Prof David Nutt

Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

James Bunn

James

Chief Operations Officer

Dr Anne Katrin Schlag

Head of Research

Prof Michael Lynskey

Chief Research Officer

Prof Mike Barnes

Chief Medical Officer

Lucas McHugh

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Business Development and Strategic Planning

Operational Team

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Dr Rayyan Zafar

Senior Researcher

Plinio Ferreira

Operations Officer

Hannah Barnett

Head of Communications

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Sarahjane Tierney

Strategic Policy Lead

Pallab Seth

Journal Editor

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Finn Laslett

Communications Officer

Honorary Research & Volunteer Team

Anna Ross

Honorary Research Assistant

Jacob Aday

Honorary Research Assistant

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