Rayyan Zafar

Dr Rayyan Zafar PhD MRSB is a neuropsychopharmacologist and postdoctoral UKRI fellow at the Centre for Psychedelic Research and Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and senior researcher at Drug Science. He works alongside Professor David Nutt, a global leading psychiatrist and drug scientist.

His research focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms of addiction and mental health disorders and exploring how drugs such as psychedelics (psilocybin, DMT, LSD), Ketamine, MDMA and Cannabis work in the brain and how they can be used to treat individuals with addictions. Zafar is currently conducting the world’s first clinical and brain imaging study of psilocybin therapy in gambling addiction. In addition to his work at Imperial College London, Zafar is a senior scientific officer at Drug Science, the leading independent charity on Drug science, the lead research venture partner at psychedelic VC fund ITER investments and has acted on scientific advisory boards for companies developing therapeutics and clinical interventions in the medical psychedelic, cannabis space and the functional wellness space (Moodeys).

Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Zafar engages with the public through media appearances and talks, sharing insights on topics related to drugs, mental health, and psychedelics. His aim is to foster understanding and informed discussion within the wider community, including audiences of national and international news outlets, podcasts, and public forums. Zafar has also been nominated top 25 emerging leaders in psychedelic science and theory and has a book coming out next year exploring the new science of addiction and breakthrough treatments.