For 15 years now I have been studying the acute effects of psychedelics on memory, mood and empathy, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Recently I also started to look into the effects of these substances on creativity and its link with empathy. My motivation to do this research is that by using the unique properties of these drugs we get a better grasp on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects. We will be able to use this knowledge to enhance flexible thinking and social abilities in daily life and in pathological populations and consequently enhance quality of life and feelings of well-being.