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Dr Dean Burnett

Neuroscientist. Author. Broadcaster. Explainer of why your brain behaves beautifully, badly, and bizarrely.

I’m Dr Dean Burnett  neuroscientist, writer, recovering comedian and long-time observer of the wonderfully illogical human brain.

For the last decade, my books, talks and writing have helped people understand why our brains misfire, backfire, panic, delight, overthink and occasionally behave like badly wired machinery.


And somehow, it seems to help.

Dean Burnett

The Idiot Brain: 10th Anniversary Edition

The bestselling book that made millions of readers say “Oh… so it’s not just me.”

Why our brains act up, let us down, and keep us human - now updated for 2026 and more relevant than ever. Out now.

  • 30+ languages

  • International bestseller

  • Millions of readers
     

Whoopi Goldberg

"Dean Burnett is a real funny cat, and I adore him and his brain."

The Idiot Brain Dean Burnett

Latest Events

A mix of science, storytelling, humour and mild existential dread.

See Dean Live

Find out where you can see Dean on his book tour in 2026.

Dean Burnett
Dr Dean Burnett

Consultancy & Speaking

I work with organisations, educators, charities, and media teams to make neuroscience clear, accurate and actually enjoyable.

Books

A bestselling catalogue of brain science, humour and human behaviour.

Reviews

Jon Ronson

“Compelling and wise and rational. You know you can trust him... a great read.”

Wall Street Journal

“A grand tour around modern cognitive science and psychology”

The Independent

“This is a wonderful introduction to neuroscience, and deserves to be widely read.”

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