Mind & Life Francisco J. Varela Research Grants
Forecasted
Mind & Life Francisco J. Varela Research Grants support early-career scientists and scholars studying contemplative practices to deepen understanding of human experience, reduce suffering, and promote flourishing.
Funder: Mind and Life Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 USD for a two-year project
Summary: Supports early-career scientists and scholars investigating contemplative practices to reduce human suffering and promote flourishing.
Key Information: Applicants must have attended the U.S. Mind & Life Summer Research Institute, in person or online, within the last five years.
Description
The Mind & Life Francisco J. Varela Research Grants support rigorous research on contemplative practices, grounded in Varela’s belief that contemplative training offers valuable methods for investigating human experience. Administered by the Mind & Life Institute, the program supports developing scientists and scholars across cognitive science, clinical psychology, education, anthropology, neuroscience, health and medical research, social science, and the humanities.
The program prioritizes first-person contemplative methods, such as introspective investigation and reports of subjective experience, integrated into cognitive, behavioral, physiological, clinical, or socio-cultural research. It also favors interdisciplinary contributions and encourages collaboration with contemplative scholars and practitioners throughout research. Its goals are to deepen understanding of contemplative practices, reduce human suffering, and promote flourishing, with particular interest in personal well-being, compassionate communities, and human–Earth connection.
