Dr. Zafar has previously completed undergraduate studies in BSc Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University (1st Class Hons), an MSc in Clinical Neuropsychiatry from Kings College London, IOPPN (Distinction) and a Ph.D. in Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College after being awarded the Medical Research Council Doctoral Training 4 year fellowship (MRC DTP) from 2019-2023 supervised by Prof David Nutt, Dr David Erritzoe and Dr Matt Wall. 

As a member of the Centre for Psychedelic Research and Neuropsychopharmacology group, his work focuses on multimodal neuroimaging investigations to investigate reward system dysfunction and develop novel therapeutics in substance use and behavioral addictions. 

Zafar is currently leading the PsiloGambling study and psychedelic therapy for addiction clinical rese after being awarded a UKRI IAA grant. This grant will be used to investigate the first clinical and neuroimaging study of psilocybin therapy in gambling disorder along with members of the Imperial team and the study will form part of an Imperial enterprise biotechnology start-up initiative. 

Rayyan is also a senior scientific officer at Drug Science (formally the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs) where he publishes scientific and policy reports as a member of the Medical Cannabis Working Group and the Medical Psychedelic Working Group.

Dr Zafar also provides consulting and scientific advisory services in the fields of psychiatry clinical trials, medical psychedelics, medical cannabis, and psychopharmacology. He is also available for comment in public media for scientific and medical commentary on addiction, psychiatry, and the science and therapeutic application of drugs.