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.
We will not shy from
speaking our minds
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.


Meet the Committee
Our success is down to our expert scientific committee, who have dedicated their careers to the development of a scientific evidence base for sensible drug policy reform.


Prof David Nutt


Prof Jo Neill


Prof Val Curran


Prof Fiona Measham


Niamh Eastwood


Prof Steve Bazire


Dr Brigitta Brandner


Prof Alex Stevens


Prof Larry Phillips


Prof Colin Drummond


Prof Barry Everitt


Patrick Hargreaves


Prof Graeme Henderson


Dr John Marsden


Ian Millar


Dr John Ramsey


Steve Rolles


Prof Ilina Singh


Dr Polly Taylor


Tim Williams


Prof Adam Winstock


Dr Dima Absulrahim


Dr Stephen Willott


Roland Archer



Prof Michael Lynskey


Roz Gittins


Rudi Fortson QC
Meet the Team
Our dedicated multi-disciplinary team with expertise spanning research, policy, technology, management, finance and growth.


David Badcock


Dr Anne Schlag


James Bunn


Alex Blanchard


Amelia Middlemiss


Mags Houston


Suzy Gage


