The Southern Consotrium for Indigenous Psycho-Pharma (SCIPP) spans across six faculties, and more than 15 departments at the University of Pretoria, integrating the vital functions necessary for groundbreaking transcisiplinary research to be conducted on locally-derived medicines for Mental health, Neurological and Substance use disorders (MNS). Leveraging the advanced research expertise of staff, prioritising student capacitation and combining the University's outstanding technological assets towards a clear vision and mission puts SCIPP in the position to meet its strategic priorities.

Faculties participating in SCIPP activities: 

• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Faculty of Veterinary Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
• Faculty of Law

SCIPP's project activities include a robust pipeline of specialisations necessary for the transdisciplinary delivery of its various research projects underway, including the following academic foci:

1. Anthropology & Sociology
2. Plant & Soil Sciences
3. Chemistry & Pharmacology
4. Psychiatry, Psychology & Nursing
5. Business & Economics
6. Legal & Policy

It is through this diverse collaboration of Traditional Healthcare Practitioners (THPs), Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), academic and allopathic health systems which serves to elevate and validate long-held medicinal practices applying Southern Africa's rich biodiversity to its biggest mental health challenges. This includes the sustained research and development of effective locally-derived treatments for MNS, as well as the legal, business and policy research necessary to increase access to mental health services, improve outcomes for practitioners and patients and provide strategic support and advisement to increase the social and economic impact for Southern Africa.   

SCIPP's comprehensive structure is set to meet the demands of its cohesive and integrative mandate to produce cutting-edge transdisciplinary research harnessing the rich tapestry of South African plant, fungi and biomaterial for the treatment of the country’s most urgent MNS disorders. This is in addition to a range of experts and content specialists across Southern Africa who are busy collaborating on vital projects in these fields, working towards increased efficacy and accessability of locally derived medicines. 

SCIPP also works closely with the Cannabis Organization of the University of Pretoria (COUP) on research and policy around cannabis.