Hyungil Suh
Postgraduate Researcher
Psychology
About
I am a PhD researcher at the Exeter Psychedelic Interdisciplinary Centre (EPIC) within the Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, under the supervision of Dr. Leor Roseman. My academic background uniquely bridges Information Technology and Psychology: With over a decade of professional experience across a National Research Institute and the IT startup sector, I apply advanced computational methodologies to the rigorous study of altered states of consciousness.
Research Interests : The Interplay of Psychedelics, Society, and Neurology
My primary research investigates altered states of consciousness (ASCs)—particularly those induced by psychedelics—through both social and neurological lenses. I focus on how social environments, group dynamics, and interpersonal intimacy causally shape the subjective psychedelic experience. Methodologically, I utilize Natural Language Processing (NLP) and advanced LLM-assisted qualitative analysis on large datasets of first-hand narratives, bridging these phenomenological insights with investigations into the neurochemical underpinnings of ASCs.
Background & Motivation : Addressing the Modern Crisis of Disconnection
My profound interest in the social dimensions of psychedelics is driven by the rapid urbanization and severe social detachment I have witnessed in South Korea over the past thirty years. This unacknowledged loneliness and systemic isolation—compounded by historical trauma and high rates of depression—is a crisis prevalent across many industrialized nations. I believe psychedelics hold unique potential to address this by revealing our deep-seated human need for connection. Ultimately, my research aims to understand the characteristics of group psychedelic experiences and explore how they can be safely, effectively, and ethically integrated into social contexts to foster unity and heal systemic disconnection. I am one of two Korean psychedelic researchers (alongside Aiden Ko at King's College London.)
Other Interests
I have long lived as a "consciousness explorer," deeply committed to both learning and sharing knowledge about the human mind. This personal journey is grounded in a regular meditation practice and an enduring interest in the philosophies of non-duality. As part of my dedication to sharing these explorations with the public, I have authored four books: three focusing on effective learning methodologies and study mindsets, and one exploring modern social dynamics and alternative lifestyle perspectives. Ultimately, I hope to use my diverse background to contribute meaningfully to the growing field of psychedelic science.