The Science of Psychedelics

Dr Chris Timmermann, a neuroscientist and psychologist at Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research, conducted the first neuroimaging studies on DMT. His work focuses on the neuroscience, psychology, beliefs and ethics of psychedelic experiences.

Dr Maria Balaet, a computational neuroscientist at King's College London, works at the intersection of machine learning and neuroscience to study human intelligence, neurodegeneration, sleep, and the effects of recreational drugs like psychedelics. She holds a PhD in Clinical Medicine from Imperial College London.

Rebecca Harding, a neuropsychopharmacologist at University College London, has extensive experience in the psychedelic field, including work as a Research Scientist at Clerkenwell Health. Her current research explores how and why psychedelics can treat addiction.

Sarah Tilley, CEO of the Psychedelic Assisted Therapy retreat centre Beautiful Space in Holland, is a psychedelic guide, integration specialist, and couples therapist focused on psychedelic therapy, modern relationships, and sexual wellness. With 20 years of experience in plant medicine, she has guided hundreds of altered-state journeys.

Darren Le Baron, a grassroots researcher and event organiser, is the Director of Ancient Future, Convenor of Psychedelia Railway Gatherings, and curator at Earth Tone Arts. Since founding Ancient Future, he has developed workshops and projects centred on creative arts, personal development, and African-Caribbean spiritual systems.

Dr Mourad Wahba, a consultant psychiatrist with over a decade of experience, leads the mood disorder research clinic in Newcastle. He specialises in combining biological and psychological treatments for mood and trauma-related disorders, with a focus on psychedelic therapy.

Sam Gandy, an ecologist and researcher, has worked at the Beckley Foundation and Synthesis Institute, and as a senior science writer for Wavepaths. A lifelong nature enthusiast, he studies how psychedelics impact human-nature relationships and collaborates with Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research.

Tommaso Barba, a PhD candidate at Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research, studies the brain effects of short-acting psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT and their potential to enhance wellbeing. With a background in neuroscience and psychoanalysis, he focuses on how psychedelics and MDMA can improve romantic love and intimacy in couples.

Dr David Luke, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, researches transpersonal experiences, anomalous phenomena, and altered states of consciousness, particularly through psychedelics. He has published over 100 papers and ten books, including ‘Otherworlds: Psychedelics and Exceptional Human Experience’.

Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist and PhD graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London, researches ayahuasca and psychedelic therapies. He co-founded Icaro Science and is Senior Research Fellow and Chief Medical Officer at the Psychae Institute, leading trials on ayahuasca's therapeutic potential. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer for Heroic Hearts UK and volunteers with Psycare to support individuals at music festivals.