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9 researchers found

CK

Catherine Kerr

Assistant Professor (Posthumous) · Brown University

NeuroscienceMindfulnessContemplative Neuroscience

Neuroscientist who studied how mindfulness meditation modulates cortical alpha rhythms that regulate sensory information flow. Her work revealed how attention to body sensations during meditation trains brain gating mechanisms. Deceased 2016.

Providence, RI
FV

Francisco Varela

Research Director (posthumous) · CNRS / École Polytechnique

Contemplative NeurosciencePhilosophyConsciousness

Chilean biologist, philosopher, and neuroscientist who co-developed the concept of autopoiesis and founded neurophenomenology, a research program integrating first-person contemplative experience with neuroscience. Passed away in 2001.

Paris, France
HS

Heleen Slagter

Professor of Cognitive Science · Monash University

MeditationNeuroscienceContemplative Neuroscience

Cognitive neuroscientist studying how meditation training affects attention, consciousness, and brain plasticity. Her work showed that intensive meditation can reduce the attentional blink.

Melbourne, AustraliaWebsite
JM

Julia Mossbridge

Director · IONS Innovation Lab / University of San Diego

Contemplative NeuroscienceNeuroscienceConsciousness

Cognitive neuroscientist studying presentiment (physiological anticipation of unpredictable events) and positive precognition. Combines contemplative science with empirical research.

San Francisco, CAWebsite
MR

Matthew Ricard

Buddhist Monk & Scientist · Shechen Monastery / Mind & Life Institute

MeditationBuddhismContemplative Neuroscience

Buddhist monk and molecular biologist who became a key subject in neuroscience research on meditation. His brain scans at Richard Davidson's lab showed unprecedented gamma wave activity during compassion meditation.

Kathmandu, NepalWebsite
MR

Matthieu Ricard

Buddhist Monk and Author · Shechen Monastery / Pasteur Institute (former)

BuddhismMeditationContemplative Neuroscience

Molecular biologist turned Buddhist monk who has participated in extensive neuroscientific studies on meditation and consciousness at the University of Wisconsin. Often called the "happiest man in the world" based on brain imaging research.

NepalWebsite
Richard Davidson

Richard Davidson

Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry · University of Wisconsin-Madison

NeuroscienceMeditationContemplative Neuroscience

Pioneer in contemplative neuroscience, studying meditation and well-being. Founded Center for Healthy Minds, collaborates with the Dalai Lama.

Madison, WIWebsite
TS

Tania Singer

Scientific Director · Max Planck Society / Social Neuroscience Lab

MeditationNeuroscienceContemplative Neuroscience

Neuroscientist who pioneered research on empathy, compassion, and social emotions. Led the ReSource Project, the largest longitudinal study on meditation-based mental training.

Berlin, GermanyWebsite
ZJ

Zoran Josipovic

Research Associate & Adjunct Professor · New York University

NeuroscienceNon-DualContemplative Neuroscience

Neuroscientist studying nondual awareness — a form of consciousness characterized by the collapse of the subject-object duality. Uses fMRI to study meditators experiencing nondual states.

New York, NYWebsite