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Research

Overview

Contemplative Sciences Center research catalyzes and advances transdisciplinary research on contemplative practices and experiences to generate new knowledge and methods that enhance human wellbeing. We study how diverse contemplative practices, and emergent experiences work in human bodies and minds, cultures and ecologies, and intersubjectively. Our work leverages cutting-edge research in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, arts, and technology – at intersections of lived experience, innovation, and application – to generate novel solutions to personal, social, and global challenges.    

We are home of the CIRCL: Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab, a dynamically experimental collaboratory in the Contemplative Commons, and a research network dedicated to investigating contemplation for human transformation. The CIRCL Council is a group of core faculty advisors with diverse expertise from across Grounds who guide and support the generative and innovative research on contemplation at UVA, and beyond. The Journal of Contemplative Studies (JCS) is an online open-access peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research and scholarship on diverse expressions of contemplation. It's sibling magazine for public scholarship, Contemplative Currents, features content from leading scholars in the field, including interviews, op-ed essays, announcements, conference proceedings, and more. Contemplative Research Fellows are a cohort of postdoctoral researchers from different disciplines who grow their expertise and contribute to advancing research in the CIRCL, and in collaboration with faculty researchers at the University of Virginia. The Salon convenes regularly with guest facilitators in the Contemplative Commons to cultivate community and engage in open dialogue about pressing research topics. For mutual enrichment, we host micro-residencies that bring leading international scholars, scientists, artists, and practitioners to engage in research collaborations and university life, and to incubate actionable epiphanies. 

Research Team

  • Michael R. Sheehy, Director of Research
  • Adam C. Liddle, Research Manager
  • Devin Zuckerman, Contemplative Research Postdoctoral Fellow
  • James MacNee, Graduate Research Assistant, Grant Writer
  • Ame Wren, PhD Graduate Research Assistant
  • Julie Mollica, PhD Graduate Research Assistant
  • Jahred Rosa-Sullivan, MA Graduate Research Assistant

See our Faculty Research Council