The fertile void:

How psychedelics deconstruct consciousness to afford meaning

Abstract: DMT and 5-MeO-DMT are short-acting psychedelics characterised by inducing immersive experiences. Based on 10 years of research, this talk explores how these compounds can illuminate our understanding of consciousness and the brain by deconstructing the self, time and space, and enabling forms of dynamic meaning-making, with important therapeutic implications. I will complement these results with our recent findings showing the overlaps in phenomenology and brain activity with advanced meditation practices provide further insight into alternative pathways to deconstruct consciousness.  

Biography: Dr. Chris Timmermann obtained his PhD in Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and subsequently led the DMT Research Group investigating the effects of psychedelics on the brain and mind. He is currently based at University College London where he leads the UCL Centre for Consciousness Research with Prof. Jeremy Skipper. His work has focused on the neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, and beliefs of psychedelics, and their applications as mental health treatments. His current research interests involve investigating the potential of psychedelics and meditation to advance consciousness science. In 2022, he founded an educational non-profit in Latin-America, the ECOH Foundation, for which he serves as the president and founder.