Mind & Life Francisco J. Varela Research Grants
Supports interdisciplinary research integrating first-person contemplative methods into scientific studies across cognitive, behavioral, clinical, and socio-cultural domains.
Funder: Mind and Life Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award; project period up to 2 years; annual competition.
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary research on contemplative practices, emphasizing first-person methods and collaboration between scientists and contemplative scholars.
Key Information: Applicants must have attended the Mind & Life Summer Research Institute within the last five years.
Description
The Mind & Life Francisco J. Varela Research Grants support early-career scientists and scholars in conducting rigorous, interdisciplinary research on contemplative practices. Inspired by Francisco J. Varela’s vision, the program prioritizes projects that integrate first-person contemplative methods—such as introspective investigation and subjective experience reports—into cognitive, behavioral, physiological, clinical, or socio-cultural research. Projects from a wide range of disciplines are welcome, including cognitive science, clinical psychology, education, anthropology, neuroscience, health/medical sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Proposals that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and active partnerships between scientists and contemplative practitioners or scholars are strongly encouraged.
Preference is given to research that:
- Incorporates first-person methods into empirical designs
- Bridges disciplines or advances interdisciplinary knowledge
- Addresses personal well-being, compassionate communities, or the human-earth connection
The program is intended as a career development opportunity for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.
