Eirini Ketzitzidou Argyri

Eirini's research explores normality-challenging and diversifying experiences, investigating how disruptions in perceptions of ‘normality’ activate cognitive and social mechanisms with layered impact on individual and collective potential for transformation.

 

Her PhD, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) examines the pluripotency of psychedelic experience: untangling the apparent paradox that the same loosening of fundamental assumptions about self and reality can lead either to profound growth or to prolonged disorientation (with Celia Morgan, Leor Roseman & Oliver C. Robinson in supervisory roles, 2021–2026). She examines the mechanisms that interact with self and world destabilisation (sometimes termed 'ontological shock') —particularly the interplay between trauma and growth—and their influence on how we construct, negotiate, and experience reality at personal, interpersonal, and societal levels.

 

Eirini’s research contributes to debates on the mechanisms of psychological transformation and moves beyond the therapeutic-versus-harmful binary that often dominates discussions of psychedelics. Her work discusses implications for harm reduction, clinical practice, policy, and broader questions of how individuals and societies navigate periods of uncertainty and meaning disruption. Her transdisciplinary approach integrates and steps beyond cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, with philosophical inquiry.  Engaging with questions of diversity, interpersonal connection, and psychological inclusion, she works to inform mental health, education, and social policy.

 

Eirini joined the University of Exeter’s Psychology Department in September 2019, moving from London where she was working as a Research Consultant for a Human Resources consultancy, exploring the role of technology partnerships for employee wellbeing and flourishing company cultures. She has since held diverse roles and contributed to projects including:

 

At Exeter University

• Lab Manager for the Developmental Intergroup Processes Lab (PI: Prof. Adam Rutland, 2019-2022)
• Research Associate for the Bystander Project (ESRC-funded): Investigating children’s and adolescents’ social-moral reasoning about social exclusion and those who challenge it, and the role of social norms across development. (PI: Adam Rutland, 2019-2022)
• Research Coordinator for the Diversity and Identity Lab (PI: Teri Kirby, 2020-2021)
• Coordinator and founding member of the Transdisciplinary Psychedelic Colloquium (since its inception in October 2021)

 

• Research Fellow (since 2023 for the University of Greenwich, continuing independently as consultant Research Fellow since 2025)

 

Eirini advocates for transdisciplinary approaches to psychology and works to foster open, honest discussions that challenge assumptions and inspire collaborative change. She works towards cultivating spaces for open dialogue across disciplines, through community. Initiatives she has co-founded or co-hosted include:

 

• Holistic Integration, a Community of Practice offering peer-learning and creative activites to support the integration of altered-state experiences (co-founded with Joseph Rennie in December 2023)
• Transdisciplinary Consiousness Conversers a discussion series co-led with Johanna Sopanen (for which they were awarded a Researcher-Led-Initiative Award by Exeter University, 2022)
• Psychedelic Mayhem, a multidisciplinary public event at Exeter's Phoenix Theatre (with Mark Juhan, 2024)

 

Associate Fellow Higher Education Academy (AFHEA, ASPIRE Associate Fellowship)

MSc Psychology of Education (UCL Institute of Education, Distinction)

Ptychion (Degree) in Philosophy, Pedagogy & Psychology (Psychology pathway; University of Ioannina, Greece)