67: Christopher Timmermann on Researching the Neuroscience of DMT on the Brain and Mind

Christopher Timmermann (PhD) obtained a BSc in Psychology in Santiago, Chile and an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Bologna in Italy. He is currently a post-doc at Imperial College London at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, where he leads the DMT Research Group. His empirical and theoretical work focuses on the neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, and beliefs of psychedelics, their relationship to consciousness and applications in mental health. The work he has led has been published in high-regarded journals and has been widely covered by mass media outlets. He also founded and is the director of an educational non-profit in Chile, the ECOH Foundation.

Christopher shares the story of his upbringing in Chile, and how eyesight issues and an interest in the mind led to his intellectual pursuit. He speaks about his studies in the neuroscience of DMT on the brain and mind. Christopher explains what DMT is, debunking some of its myths and sharing his research discoveries.

Giancarlo and Christopher discuss ways that society can integrate psychedelics. They look at legality and serving psychedelics outside the medical system for human development, or therapeutic reasons such as in couples therapy. 

Christopher speaks about the new research centre at UCL. He shares the intention to propel new avenues of exploration in psychedelics for insight and creativity, particularly in outdoor and natural settings, as in indigenous environments.