My research expertise is on the science of meditation, and in the interaction between cognitive-behavioural and biological dimensions of spiritual practices and experiences. I studied psychology and cognitive-behaviour therapy at the University of Lisbon, followed by a doctorate in experimental psychology at Oxford University (2000-2004), and an MA in the study of religion/religious experience at the University of Wales, Lampeter (2005). I have been a postdoctoral researcher at Cambridge University and Oxford University (2005-2007) and a Lecturer in Experimental Psychology at Oxford University (2008-2013). I have been a principal investigator or co-principal investigator in 16 research grants, and my work has been reported across international newspaper and magazines, radio and tv documentaries. I have written for New Scientist, Spectator, and the BBC. My book The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You?, with Catherine Wikholm, has been translated into various languages. In 2017 I won the William Bier award, given by the American Psychological Association, Division 36, for my contributions to the psychological study of spirituality. My most recent book is the Oxford Handbook of Meditation.

Mindfulness; meditation; Psychology of belief; Personality and mental health; altered states of consciousness; indigenous worldviews.

My primary research explores the biological roots and psychological impact of beliefs and spiritual practices, including meditation. I use a combination of experimental methods from social and biological psychology, personality theory, and cognitive neurosciences. I am currently writing about the effects of meditation and conducting new research on the modification of beliefs.